Sans rigueur

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff — in the voice part in songs — at the start of a passage to be shaped freely; it lasts for that passage, until an en mesure, a tempo or a new tempo word. Extended forms: sans rigueur de rythme; sans rigueur, mais bien mesuré.

How Composers Use It

Without strictness: the French counterpart of senza rigore or a piacere, freeing the rhythm without asking for a specific rubato. It suits recitative-like lines and declamation in songs, where the words should set the timing. The accompanist must follow, so mark the piano part (suivez) and show where strict time resumes (en mesure).

Example

Lili Boulanger, Clairières dans le ciel, “Un Poète disait”, voice, m. 3: “sans rigueur”, in a song headed “Sans lenteur”; the marking returns at m. 25.

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