Sempre

Always, continuously

"Sempre" is an Italian musical term that translates to "always" or "continuously" in English. It is often used as a direction in musical notation to indicate that a certain musical element or quality should be maintained consistently throughout the specified section of music. This term helps guide performers in maintaining a particular characteristic or style as they play or sing.

For example:

  • "Sempre legato" means to play or sing with a continuous, smooth, and connected style throughout.
  • "Sempre piano" means to play or sing softly and consistently.
  • "Sempre marcato" means to play with a marked and accented style throughout.

"Sempre" is used to provide performers with a continuous guideline for how to approach a specific aspect of the music. It ensures that the intended musical quality remains consistent and prominent throughout the designated passage, contributing to the overall expression and interpretation of the piece.