Ziemlich rasch

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading above the first bar, sometimes with a second word (Ziemlich rasch. Leidenschaftlich.); it holds until the next tempo word.

How Composers Use It

A brisk tempo held just short of hurry — Schumann’s heading for “Waldesgespräch” and “Frühlingsnacht”, and Webern’s for “An Bachesranft”. It works well over fast accompaniment figures that should sparkle rather than drive. When character matters as much as pace, add the character word as a separate sentence, as Schumann does.

Example

Schumann, Liederkreis, Op. 39, No. 12, “Frühlingsnacht”, voice, m. 1: “Ziemlich rasch.” with “Leidenschaftlich.” beside it, at p.

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