Erzählend

As Printed on a Score

Printed at the head of a song or a narrative passage, often with a tempo caution (“Erzählend, nicht schleppend”); bilingual editions add the Italian “Narrativo”. It holds for the narrative passage.

Also spelled: erzaehlend

How Composers Use It

Narrating: deliver the music like storytelling — rhythm shaped by the text, clear words, a speaking flow rather than lyrical expansion. It invites flexibility, so add nicht schleppend or a tempo word if the story must keep moving. It suits ballad-like songs and the narrative sections of larger works.

Example

Cornelius, Weihnachtslieder, Op. 8, “Simeon”, voice, m. 1: “Erzählend, nicht schleppend”, with the Italian “Narrativo, non strascinando” beside it.

Related Terms