Vif

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff as a heading, most often qualified — Assez vif, Très vif, Vif et léger — and sometimes with a character word attached (et bien rythmé). Non vif and plus vif adjust it. It lasts until the next tempo word or Au mouvement.

How Composers Use It

Vif implies brilliance and sparkle — specifically French vivacity. Use it for scherzo-like passages in French-influenced music. Can be modified: Très vif (very lively), Assez vif (rather lively).

Example

Debussy's String Quartet, second movement (Assez vif et bien rythmé) — the scherzo, with its pizzicato energy and shifting meters.

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