Sempre con fuoco

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff at the start of a passage to say the fiery character continues; it lasts until a contrasting expression or tempo word appears.

How Composers Use It

Sempre extends con fuoco across a long stretch, so you need not repeat it. Use it after a contrasting interlude to reinstate the fire, or where players might relax during repetitive figuration. Fire is character, not just speed or loudness: keep the attack sharp and the rhythm driven even when the dynamic drops.

Example

Chopin, Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31 — the second of his four Scherzos — m. 544: “sempre con fuoco”, four bars after an ff.

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