Zeloso

As Printed on a Score

A rare marking, printed above the staff as a character word, alone or after a tempo word, at the start of a passage that should sound eager and fervent; it lasts until the next character word.

How Composers Use It

Zeloso asks for zeal: eager, fervent, committed playing with forward drive. It is uncommon on scores and many players will not know it, so a more familiar word such as ardente, con fuoco or con slancio is usually clearer, unless you want the particular nuance of earnest dedication. If you do use it, pair it with a tempo word, since it says nothing about speed.

Related Terms