Kräftig

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff as a heading or at a strong section, often after a comma with a tempo word (Kräftig, nicht zu schnell; Nicht zu geschwind, doch kräftig); it holds until the music changes character.

Also spelled: kraeftig

How Composers Use It

Vigorous and strong: full tone and firm rhythm rather than sheer volume. Mahler heads the Fifth Symphony’s Scherzo with it; Schubert adds it to the headings of “Der stürmische Morgen” and “Mut”. It describes energy, so it works at any dynamic and tempo; add markig for extra bite or sehr for emphasis.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, third movement (Scherzo), m. 1: “Kräftig, nicht zu schnell.” heads the movement.

Related Terms