Smorzando

As Printed on a Score

Printed between or below the staves as smorz. or smorzando, often with dashes, and frequently paired with a tempo word — smorzando e rallent., rallent. smorz. — at the end of a phrase or section. A tempo, Tempo I or a fresh dynamic ends it.

Abbreviations: smorz., smorz

How Composers Use It

Smorzando (from "smorzare," to extinguish) suggests sound being snuffed out rather than fading naturally. Use it when the music should feel like it is being actively suppressed or dampened.

Example

Liszt uses smorzando in his piano works for passages that should dissolve into the sustain pedal, the notes dying under the fingers.

Related Terms