DE feierlich character core term Support my free tools
How is feierlich played?
The performer plays in a solemn, ceremonial manner, typically broad and weighty rather than fast. As a German character marking it is favoured by Austro-German composers in place of Italian terms, often heading slow movements or chorale-like passages. It is frequently combined with other German qualifiers (e.g. 'feierlich und gemessen', solemn and measured). Mahler heads the third movement of his Symphony No. 1 'Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen' (solemnly and measured, without dragging), and Bruckner marks the Adagio of his Symphony No. 3 'feierlich'.
How does feierlich sound?
Grave and ceremonial — music of hushed, dignified solemnity.
In context
The glossary glosses feierlich as 'solemn, solemnly'. Verified instances include Mahler's Symphony No. 1, third movement ('Feierlich und gemessen'), and the solemn Adagio of Bruckner's Symphony No. 3.
Equivalent terms
- IT solenne
- IT maestoso
- FR solennel
- EN solemn
- DA højtideligt