Flüsternd

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a vocal line, usually in parentheses (“(flüsternd)”), or over an instrumental phrase. It lasts for that phrase; natürlich, a new character word or a change of dynamic ends it.

Also spelled: fluesternd

How Composers Use It

For singers it asks for a breathy, half-voiced delivery close to whispered speech — still sung unless the score says otherwise; for instruments, the quietest, airiest tone. Pair it with pp. Use it sparingly, for confided or secret words: a whole song whispered loses carrying power and clarity of text.

Example

Wolf, Mörike-Lieder, “Auf einer Wanderung”, m. 56: “(flüsternd)”, with a poco rit. two bars later.

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