Natürlich

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a part to cancel a special sound — a nasal or other vocal colour, sul ponticello, a special mute — and return to normal production. It lasts until the next special instruction. Not to be confused with the natural sign (♮, Auflösungszeichen).

Also spelled: natuerlich

How Composers Use It

Natürlich is the German naturale: after an effect, play or sing normally. Wolf uses it in songs to end a nasal vocal effect; in instrumental parts it serves like gewöhnlich or ord. Place it exactly where the effect ends, and keep it clear of accidentals so it cannot be misread as a remark about a note’s pitch.

Example

Wolf, Eichendorff-Lieder, “Der Schreckenberger”, voice, m. 22: “natürlich”, two bars after the singer is told “näselnd” (nasal).

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