Sforzando

As Printed on a Score

Printed directly under the note it affects (above it in vocal parts) as sf or sfz; it applies to that note or chord only, after which the surrounding dynamic resumes. sfp adds an immediate drop to piano. Its weight is relative to the context — an sf inside a piano passage is far lighter than one in a forte passage — and fz, rf and rfz are close relatives.

Abbreviations: sf, sfz

Also spelled: Sforzato

How Composers Use It

Sforzando is a momentary explosion of volume on one note, immediately returning to the prevailing dynamic. Use it for rhythmic displacement, surprise accents, dramatic punctuation. It is especially powerful when placed on weak beats or in otherwise quiet passages.

Example

Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony, first movement — sforzando accents on weak beats displace the barline, creating the movement's characteristic rhythmic instability.

Related Terms