Energico

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading or with a tempo word (Allegro energico; Poco più mosso, energico), or beside the dynamic, usually f, at a forceful passage. It holds until the next character or tempo direction; German scores write energisch or mit Energie.

How Composers Use It

Energico asks for vigour and drive: strong, confident attack, rhythmic firmness, forward momentum. It concerns manner rather than speed or volume, so even a quiet passage can be energico in its rhythm. Liszt uses it repeatedly in his études; Beethoven’s Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato in the Ninth’s finale shows it paired with an articulation instruction. Write it once and let accents do the detailed work.

Example

Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, fourth movement, piccolo part: “Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato.” heads the double fugue on the two choral themes.

Related Terms