Wie zu Anfang

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the opening tempo or character returns, often right after a ritardando that leads into it; an Italian equivalent (Come al principio) is sometimes printed beside it. It stays in force until the next tempo word. Variants include “Wie im Anfang” and “Tempo wie zu Anfang”.

How Composers Use It

More specific than wieder or a tempo: it names the opening of the piece as the model, so it is the natural marking for a reprise or a returning refrain. Because it refers to the beginning rather than to the last tempo, it can cancel several intervening changes at once. If the opening carried a metronome mark, reprinting it removes any doubt.

Example

Mahler, Kindertotenlieder, No. 3, “Wenn dein Mütterlein”, voice, m. 33: “Wie zu Anfang”, printed with “Come al principio” two bars after a poco ritard.; the song opens “Schwer, dumpf”.

Related Terms