Marcia funebre

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a movement heading (Marcia funebre, Alla marcia funebre), usually with a slow tempo word such as Adagio assai. It covers the movement or section, which often contains a contrasting major-key trio.

How Composers Use It

A funeral march sets a slow duple tread, minor key, dotted rhythms and drum-like bass figures, often with a consoling trio in the major. Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Piano Sonata Op. 26 and Chopin’s Sonata No. 2 are the models. Use the heading for a true processional character; Alla marcia funebre lends its spirit to a different form.

Example

Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”), second movement, m. 1: “Marcia funebre.” with “Adagio assai” and “sotto voce” at the opening.

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