Nicht schleppen

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff, often with an exclamation mark or in parentheses beside a heading, where performers might sag; it applies from that point, often with a positive direction alongside (Tempo I, etwas flüssiger). In bilingual editions it may be paired with an Italian or English gloss.

Also spelled: Nicht schleppend

How Composers Use It

A command not to drag, Mahler’s frequent reminder in slow or march-like music. It works best when combined with a positive indication — a tempo, a metronome mark or fliessender — so players know what to aim for. Placing it at the exact spot where a slowing would naturally creep in is most effective.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, fourth movement (Adagietto), harp, m. 10: “Nicht schleppen.”, with “(etwas flüssiger als zu Anfang.)” in the same bar.

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