Fließender

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the music begins to move more freely, sometimes with più scorrevole beside it or a qualifier after it (Fliessender, aber immer gemässigt); it holds until the next tempo word. Allmählich fliessender makes the change gradual.

Also spelled: fliessender

How Composers Use It

More flowing — a small increase in motion that keeps the line smooth, not a push toward excitement. Mahler uses it to open up a slow movement’s middle section. It is a gentler instruction than bewegter or schneller; use it when continuity matters more than speed.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, fourth movement (Adagietto), harp, m. 39: “Fliessender.”, one bar after “mit Wärme.”, in a movement headed “Sehr langsam.”

Related Terms