Schwungvoll

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff at the start of a sweeping phrase — in orchestral scores often over the string parts that carry the gesture — or as a heading at the top of a piece. It lasts for that gesture or until a new character word appears.

How Composers Use It

Schwung is the energy of a swing or a flourish: phrases that surge forward and arc over the bar line, with generous bow or breath and a lift into the next downbeat. Use it for rising lines and for waltz- or march-like impetus rather than weight; it is close to con slancio. Combine it with a dynamic, and with a bowing word such as viel Bogen if the strings should make the gesture broad.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, second movement, first and second violins, m. 273: “schwungvoll”, with an sf in the following bar.

Related Terms