The musical meaning of smorz is to gradually slow down and soften the notes until no music can be heard. Smorz is a shortened version and the full word is Smorzando. It is a mystery to me why Kellogs have chosen to use this word as the name of a cereal although it has made people a little more aware of what the word means in musical terms.
An Italian word used in composing music, performing and often used in opera, a smorz is said to be a soft ending to a piece of music and will make a scene in opera finish without too much drama, the kind of scene where there is love or a resting occasion that does not need too much drama.
The word actually combines two different musical features.
When you start to learn music, these Italian words and phrases are some of the first things that you will be taught so that you can play and take instruction at the same time.
These are traditional and have been used for a long period of time, this is why they have been kept and the tradition of using them, even in non Italian speaking countries has carried on. You will find that all people that play in an orchestra can take direction from these traditional words and phrases.
An Italian word used in composing music, performing and often used in opera, a smorz is said to be a soft ending to a piece of music and will make a scene in opera finish without too much drama, the kind of scene where there is love or a resting occasion that does not need too much drama.
The word actually combines two different musical features.
- To fade away softly - diminuendo
- Gradually decrease tempo - ritardando
- Crescendo
- Accelerando
When you start to learn music, these Italian words and phrases are some of the first things that you will be taught so that you can play and take instruction at the same time.
These are traditional and have been used for a long period of time, this is why they have been kept and the tradition of using them, even in non Italian speaking countries has carried on. You will find that all people that play in an orchestra can take direction from these traditional words and phrases.
