Fröhlich

As Printed on a Score

Printed at the head of a piece or over a phrase, alone or with a second character word (“Fröhlich, innig.”). It lasts until a new character or tempo word appears.

Also spelled: froehlich

How Composers Use It

Cheerful, glad-hearted — a lighter, more everyday happiness than freudig. Because it implies no tempo, Schumann can join it to innig: gladness held close rather than broadcast. Add a tempo word if pace matters, since fröhlich alone could be sung at many speeds, and let the second word say what kind of cheer you mean.

Example

Schumann, Frauenliebe und Leben, “An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust”, voice, m. 1: “Fröhlich, innig.” heads the song.

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