Très expressif

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below the part with the expressive line, often at the start of a piece or as part of a combined heading (Andante très expressif; très doux et très expressif). It lasts for the phrase or passage it marks.

Also spelled: tres expressif

How Composers Use It

Very expressive: the French molto espressivo. It asks for the fullest expressive shaping, and Debussy puts it at the head of intimate pieces — Clair de lune opens Andante très expressif, an Italian tempo word with a French qualifier. Keep it for the line that carries the music; marking every part très expressif leaves the player nothing to rise to.

Example

Debussy, Trois Chansons de Bilitis, “La Chevelure”, piano, m. 1: “Très expressif”, while the voice is headed “Assez lent”.

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