Senza rigore

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff, either in a heading — Molto moderato, senza rigore — or over a passage within the piece, sometimes as sempre senza rigore in an accompaniment. It lasts until a return to strict time is marked, typically a tempo, in tempo or misurato.

How Composers Use It

Senza rigore relaxes the pulse without abandoning it: the beat is still there, but the performer may stretch and shape it like speech. It suits song, where a text calls for natural declamation — Butterworth and Bizet both use it so — and recitative-like instrumental lines. For complete freedom from the beat, senza misura or ad libitum is the stronger instruction.

Example

Butterworth, Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad, “Is my team ploughing?”, voice: “Molto moderato, senza rigore” heads the song, which begins pp.

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