Sempre

As Printed on a Score

Printed in front of the marking it keeps in force — “sempre pianissimo”, “sempre legato”, “sempre più animato”, “sempre simile” — usually where a passage begins, lasting until a contrary instruction appears. Standing alone, “sempre” reaffirms the dynamic or articulation printed beside it.

How Composers Use It

Sempre ensures a marking persists over an extended passage. Without it, performers may gradually relax the instruction. "Sempre pp" reminds them to maintain the pianissimo even as the music becomes more intense.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (“Moonlight”), first movement, m. 1: “sempre pianissimo e senza sordini” heads the movement, beside the instruction to play the whole piece very delicately.

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