Marschmäßig

As Printed on a Score

A heading printed above the first staff, usually with a tempo word (“Lebhaft. Marschmäßig.”) and sometimes an Italian equivalent such as Vivace alla marcia. It governs the whole movement. Prints spell it with ß or ss.

Also spelled: marschmässig

How Composers Use It

Marschmäßig asks for march character: a strict pulse, crisp dotted rhythms, firm downbeats and a pace walking bodies could keep. It is the German counterpart of alla marcia. Beethoven’s Op. 101 shows the classic use — a heading that sets the rhythm’s attitude while a separate tempo word sets the speed. Without that tempo word, performers will assume an ordinary march pace.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, second movement: “Lebhaft. Marschmäßig.” heads the movement over the Italian “Vivace alla Marcia”, at f.