Imitando

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below the staff at the start of the imitating passage, often followed by what is to be imitated; bilingual editions pair it with the German nachahmend. It lasts for that passage.

How Composers Use It

Imitando asks the player to copy something — another part’s phrasing, or the sound of another instrument, such as a horn call or a plucked guitar evoked on the piano. Say what is to be imitated unless the context makes it obvious. It can also flag a contrapuntal entry, so the player shapes it exactly like the original.

Example

Cornelius, “Möcht’ im Walde mit dir geh’n”, 3 Lieder, Op. 4, piano, m. 35: “imitando” beside the German “nachahmend”.

Related Terms