Munter

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading above the first bar, sometimes with a second word (Munter, zart); it holds until the next tempo word.

How Composers Use It

Cheerful and lively — a bright, quick tempo with good humour. Schumann uses it for short, sparkling songs such as “Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube”. It describes mood as much as pace, so it suits light textures and crisp articulation; paired with zart (Munter, zart), as in Myrthen, it keeps the brightness but softens the touch.

Example

Schumann, Dichterliebe, Op. 48, No. 3, “Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube”, voice, m. 1: “Munter”, at mf.

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