E

As Printed on a Score

Printed between two words of a single direction (“dim. e rit.”, “Largo e mesto”, “Adagio molto e cantabile”), above the staff or inside a tempo heading; before a vowel it often becomes ed. The joined instructions apply together, each with its usual scope.

How Composers Use It

E links instructions that happen at the same time: “dim. e rit.” asks for fading and slowing together, “Largo e mesto” for a tempo and a character. It cannot express succession; for “first this, then that” use poi. Nor does it rank the two words; if one should qualify the other, ma is clearer. Keep chains short so the whole direction can be read at a glance.

Example

Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, third movement, flute, m. 1: “Adagio molto e cantabile” heads the slow movement.

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