precipitato

Italian work

Definition

Headlong, precipitously — the tempo marking of the famous finale of Prokofiev's 7th Sonata.

Interpretive Guidance

The finale must feel driven and unstoppable. The 7/8 metre creates an asymmetrical pulse (2+2+3 or 3+2+2) that reinforces the sense of barely controlled momentum. Practice the metre subdivision before adding tempo.

Context

Scope Specific to a work
Language Italian

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