In music, 'siempre' (pronounced see-EM-pray) is an Italian term that means "always" or "consistently." When seen in a musical score, it instructs the performer to maintain a specified musical characteristic, such as a tempo, dynamic level, or articulation, throughout a particular passage or piece.
Understanding 'Siempre' in Musical Context
The term 'siempre' acts as an imperative for consistency. It's typically placed preceding another musical marking, reinforcing that the preceding instruction should not vary. This ensures the composer's intended sustained effect is achieved, providing clarity and precision to the musical interpretation.
- Sustaining Dynamics: If a score indicates sempre forte (sempre f), it means the music should remain loud consistently, rather than fluctuating in volume.
- Maintaining Tempo: When a tempo marking is followed by 'siempre', for instance, Allegro sempre, it signifies that the fast, lively tempo must be maintained without any slowing down or speeding up.
- Consistent Articulation: A direction like sempre staccato instructs the musician to play every note with a short, detached articulation throughout the specified section.
Practical Applications of 'Siempre'
Musicians interpret 'siempre' as a crucial directive for stylistic integrity. It eliminates ambiguity, guiding performers to maintain an unvarying approach to a particular musical element. This ensures that the emotional and structural intent of the composition is fully realized.
Here are some common applications of 'siempre' in musical notation:
| Musical Marking | 'Siempre' Applied | Meaning for the Performer |
|---|---|---|
| forte (loud) | sempre forte | Play consistently loud. |
| piano (soft) | sempre piano | Play consistently soft. |
| staccato | sempre staccato | Play all notes short and detached. |
| legato | sempre legato | Play all notes smoothly connected. |
| accelerando | sempre accelerando | Continuously get faster. |
| Andante (walking pace) | Andante sempre | Maintain a steady walking pace. |
Key takeaways for musicians when encountering 'siempre':
- Commitment to the Mark: 'Siempre' demands an unwavering commitment to the preceding musical instruction.
- Avoid Fluctuation: Resist the natural tendency to vary dynamics, tempo, or articulation unless explicitly countermanded by a new marking.
- Enforce Composer's Intent: It helps to convey a precise musical character that the composer desires to be sustained.
Why 'Siempre' is Important
The inclusion of 'siempre' in a score is a subtle yet powerful tool for composers. It reinforces their vision for the piece, ensuring that specific qualities are not merely introduced but are also steadfastly maintained, contributing significantly to the overall expressive character and structural coherence of the music. It tells the performer, "This characteristic is vital; do not let it waver."
