Nicht zu schnell

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading above the first bar, sometimes after a character word (Kräftig, nicht zu schnell); it holds until the next tempo word. Unlike Nicht schnell it implies a fast tempo, only capped.

How Composers Use It

The German allegro ma non troppo: keep the energy of a quick tempo but leave room for weight and detail. Schumann’s “Ich grolle nicht” and Mahler’s Fifth Symphony Scherzo carry it. Use it when performers are likely to rush a vigorous movement; if the tempo you want is moderate in character, Mäßig or Mäßig bewegt says so directly.

Example

Schumann, Dichterliebe, Op. 48, No. 7, “Ich grolle nicht”, voice, m. 1: “Nicht zu schnell”, with mf in the same bar.

Related Terms