DE zurückhaltend tempo modification common Support my free tools
How is zurückhaltend played?
Hold the tempo, gesture or expression slightly back so the motion feels reserved rather than pressed forward. Establish that held-back attitude at the marking, but do not assume a broad ritardando unless the context asks for one. Keep it through the local phrase or span until Tempo I, another tempo or character instruction, or a clear formal release.
How does zurückhaltend sound?
A reserved, slightly pulled-back motion — held in rather than pressed forward.
In context
Zurückhaltend is German for restrained or held back. Mahler’s scores use graded forms such as etwas zurückhaltend and immer zurückhaltend; Symphony No. 9 prints “Wieder zurückhaltend” before a later Tempo I. The instruction can affect both tempo and character: its defining quality is a reserved, slightly pulled-back motion rather than an automatic large slowdown.
Equivalent terms
- FR retenu
- FR en retenant
- IT ritenuto
- IT trattenuto
- EN held back
- EN restrained