Stürmisch

As Printed on a Score

Mostly part of a heading printed above the first bar — “Stürmisch bewegt”, or Mahler’s “Stürmisch bewegt. Mit grösster Vehemenz.” at the head of his Fifth Symphony’s second movement. It holds until a new tempo or character word.

Also spelled: sturmisch, stuermisch

How Composers Use It

Stormy: turbulent energy, surging dynamics, urgency — a character with an implied quick tempo, usually paired with bewegt to make the pace explicit. Use it for openings that should hit hard and keep driving; a further phrase (mit grösster Vehemenz) can intensify it. On its own it does not fix a speed.

Example

Wolf, Eichendorff-Lieder, “Seemanns Abschied”, voice, m. 1: “Stürmisch bewegt” heads the song.

Related Terms