DE ernst character core term Support my free tools
How is ernst played?
The performer plays with seriousness and gravity, setting aside lightness or playfulness. Ernst is the German adjective for 'serious/earnest' used as a character indication, governing affect rather than tempo. A famous instance of the word in a title is Brahms's 'Vier ernste Gesänge' ('Four Serious Songs'), Op. 121, composed in 1896 — a cycle largely on mortality. As a marking it tells the player to weigh the music gravely and avoid any trace of frivolity.
How does ernst sound?
The music sounds grave, earnest and weighty in mood.
In context
Ernst means 'serious, earnest.' Its best-known appearance is in the title of Johannes Brahms's 'Vier ernste Gesänge' (Four Serious Songs), Op. 121, of 1896. As a performance marking it remains a general German character word.
Equivalent terms
- IT serio
- FR sérieux
- EN serious
- DA alvorligt