Mäßig geschwind

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading above the first bar, in older editions as mässig geschwind; it holds until the next tempo word. It sets a moderately quick pace from the start rather than changing one.

Also spelled: mässig geschwind, massig geschwind

How Composers Use It

Schubert’s heading for a steady moving tempo, whatever the mood — “Das Wandern”, “Auf dem Wasser zu singen”, “Abschied” and “Die Stadt” all carry it. It asks for quickness without haste, a tempo at which a running accompaniment stays even and the words stay clear. Its period flavour is Schubert’s; a modern score would more likely write Mäßig schnell.

Example

Schubert, Die schöne Müllerin, D. 795, No. 1, “Das Wandern”, voice, m. 1: “Mässig geschwind” heads the cycle.

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