Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Music) A strong, sudden emphasis on a single note or chord: A directive indicating that a specific note or chord should be played with a forceful, sharp, and immediate attack.
   • (Music) The notation itself: The written symbol (often sf, sfz, or sfp) placed above or below a note to indicate this forceful execution.

2. Adjective/Adverb:

   • Performed with a strong, sudden emphasis: Used to describe the manner of playing a specific note or chord. It functions as a dynamic instruction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The composer marked the climax with a dramatic sforzando.
  • Look for the sforzando on the first beat of the measure.

• Adjective/Adverb:

  • Play this chord sforzando to create a shock effect.
  • The sforzando note stood out sharply from the surrounding piano passage.

Advanced Usage

• Contrast with other dynamics: A is a localized, abrupt accent, distinct from a general increase in volume like (loud) or (gradually getting louder). It is an instantaneous burst of sound.
• Combined with other markings: It can be combined with other dynamic instructions. For example, () means a strong accent immediately followed by a soft volume.

Variants and Related Words

• Sforzato (sfz): A common variant abbreviation and synonym for .
• Rinforzando (rf or rfz): A similar directive meaning "reinforcing," often implying a sudden emphasis that may be sustained slightly longer than a typical .
• Forte-piano (fp): A directive to play a note loudly and then immediately softly, which is related but distinct in its two-stage dynamic change.

Synonyms

• Accent: A general term for emphasizing a note. is a specific, strong type of accent.
• Stress: To emphasize a note or chord.

Related Musical Terms

• Marcato: Indicates a note should be played with emphasis, often in a marked, distinct manner, which can be similar to .
• Forte (f): An instruction to play loudly, but as a general dynamic level, not a sudden accent on a single note.

Noun

1. (music) a notation written above a note and indicating that it is to be played with a strong initial attack
2. an accented chord