Marziale

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff as a character word, alone or after a tempo word (Allegro marziale), usually at the start of a movement or section, and in force until a contrasting character word appears. In piano and vocal scores it may sit beneath a separate tempo heading, colouring rather than replacing it.

How Composers Use It

Marziale asks for a military bearing: crisp, well-marked rhythm, strong downbeats, dotted figures played sharply, a steady and upright pulse. It is a character, not a tempo; unlike Tempo di marcia it does not set a march pace, so it can colour an Allegro or a song as easily as a march. Clear articulation and strong accents serve it; a soft, legato texture undercuts it.

Example

Elgar, “The River”, Op. 60 No. 2, piano, m. 1: “marziale” beneath the heading “Allegro con fuoco”, at ff.

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