Schleunigst

As Printed on a Score

Uncommon in printed music. Where it appears it modifies the word beside it — an action such as a change of mute or instrument, or a tempo change — meaning “as quickly as possible”, and applies only to that word.

How Composers Use It

A superlative meaning “at the earliest possible moment”. In a part it tells the player to act at once, and in a tempo context it would mean the fastest pace possible — but presto or so schnell wie möglich are clearer for speed. Make sure the player actually has time for the change you are asking for.

Related Terms