Serrez

As Printed on a Score

An imperative printed above the staff where the pressing forward begins, often with un peu (serrez un peu) or followed by dashes; the infinitive serrer and the gerund en serrant appear too. It is gradual and lasts until a new tempo word (au Mouvt, cédez) releases it.

Also spelled: serrer, en serrant

How Composers Use It

Literally “tighten”: the French stringendo, pressing the tempo forward with a sense of growing tension rather than mere speed. It suits approaches to a climax or passages that should feel compressed. Compare pressez (hurry) and animez (bring to life): serrez stresses compression and tension. Mark where it ends, or the tension has no release.

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