Rather faster

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the new tempo begins, in English-language scores. It is relative to the preceding tempo and lasts until the next tempo word — still faster, as before, slower.

How Composers Use It

Rather here means somewhat: a moderate increase, the English equivalent of poco più mosso. Warlock makes it the first step of a staged acceleration, followed two bars later by Still faster — a clear way to build excitement in steps rather than with a continuous accelerando. Add a metronome mark if the amount matters.

Example

Warlock, Peterisms, Set 1, “Rutterkin”, voice, m. 24: “Rather faster”, followed at m. 26 by “Still faster”; the song opens “Boisterously”.

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