Schneller

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where a faster tempo begins, sometimes after a ritard. or a held note, and in force until the next tempo word; Noch schneller raises it again. Nach und nach schneller turns it into a gradual acceleration, so check whether a gradual word precedes it.

How Composers Use It

The German più mosso: a step up to a new pulse, measured against what came before. Schumann uses successive Schneller markings to make a song gather speed in stages. Because it is relative, mark how fast if the arrival tempo matters, and give performers a way back (Tempo I, Wie zu Anfang).

Example

Schumann, Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42, No. 7, “An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust”, voice, m. 18: “Schneller.”, with “Noch schneller.” following at m. 26.

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