Sforzando
(sfort-SAHN-doe)


[It., forced]

A directive to perform a specific note or chord of a composition with particular emphasis. The note or chord would be performed as if it had an accent as shown below and performed at the dynamic level indicated. It is typically shown as the abbreviation, sf, sff, or sfff.

This term can be confused with sforzato which has a similar effect (shown below) and is indicated by the abbreviation sfz, sffz, or sfffz. In fact, many music dictionaries show both sforzando and sforzato as having the same meaning.

Forte Dynamic
Fortissimo Dynamic
Fortississimo Dynamic

Sforzando
sf notation

Sforzando
sff notation
Sforzando
sfff notation

Sforzato
sfz notation

Sforzato
sffz notation
Sforzato
sfffz notation

See also dynamics; sf; sff; sfff; sforzato; sfz; sffz; sfffz; sfp.

More about dynamic markings.
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