Getragen

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading or mid-passage, often with sehr (sehr getragen) and sometimes with sostenuto beside it; it holds until the next tempo or character word. It describes manner as well as tempo: sustained, connected, unhurried.

How Composers Use It

Sustained and dignified — the German sostenuto, with a sense of solemnity. It asks for long, connected lines with full tone at a slow pace. Strauss heads “Morgen!” with it, and Mahler uses it to close Kindertotenlieder. Use it for chorale-like or valedictory passages; it contradicts staccato or nervous figuration.

Example

Mahler, Kindertotenlieder, No. 5, “In diesem Wetter, in diesem Braus”, piano, m. 125: “sehr getragen, zart”, printed with “molto sostenuto, tenere”.

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