Nicht zu langsam

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading above the first bar, sometimes paired with an Italian equivalent (Andante ma non troppo) or a character word (Feierlich, nicht zu langsam); it holds until the next tempo word. It implies a slow tempo kept moving.

How Composers Use It

Use it where the music is slow in feeling but would sag if taken literally — a solemn song, a lament with long notes over a walking accompaniment. Schubert, Schumann and Brahms head songs with it. It is the German adagio or lento ma non troppo; if the music is really moderate, Mäßig is the clearer choice.

Example

Schubert, Winterreise, D. 911, No. 3, “Gefror’ne Tränen”: the song is headed “Nicht zu langsam”.

Related Terms