Con vigore

As Printed on a Score

Printed beside a strong dynamic, usually f, in the parts that carry a forceful line. It shapes attack and tone for the passage and lapses at the next character direction.

Also spelled: vigore

How Composers Use It

Con vigore asks for robust strength: firm attack, full tone, rhythmic drive. It overlaps with con energia and vigoroso; vigore suggests physical strength and solidity, energia drive and momentum. Amy Beach gives it to the trombones and tuba in her Gaelic Symphony, a natural home for a word about weight. Mark accents or marcato where particular notes must hit hard; the word alone sets a general manner.

Example

Beach, Symphony in E minor (“Gaelic”), Op. 32, fourth movement, trombones and tuba, m. 152: “con vigore” at f, a bar after “Tempo I.”, with f marked across the woodwinds and strings in the next bar.

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