Molto con fuoco

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff, often where a fast tempo resumes (Tempo primo, molto con fuoco) or at a climax; it lasts until a contrasting expression word, such as dolce or tranquillo, or a new tempo.

How Composers Use It

Molto intensifies the fire: ferocious attack and drive. Placed at the return of fast music after a slow, lyrical interlude, it tells the player to re-ignite the opening energy at once rather than build up to it. Use it sparingly, for points where the energy must visibly jump.

Example

Chopin, Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20 — the first of his four Scherzos — m. 389: “molto con fuoco” with “Tempo primo”, right after the ritenuto and smorzando that close the trio.

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