(sfz) sforzando

Definition: Sforzando (sfz) is an indication to make a strong, sudden accent on a note or chord. Sforzando means subito forzando (fz), “suddenly with force.”

• Sforzando is sometimes written as a note-accent.

Similar commands include:

• subito forte (sf) / fortissimo (sff)
• subito piano (sp) / sforzando piano (sfp)

Not to be confused with smorzando or (rfz) rinforzando.

Also Known As:

• sforzato (It)
• accent prononcé; soudainement renforcé (Fr)
• mit plötzlicher Betonung; verstärkt (Ger)

Pronunciation: sfort-zahn'-doh (the s blends with the f)

Commonly Mispronounced: ess-four-zan-doh



More Musical Terms:

• fermata
• fortissimo
• piano


• diminuendo
• détaché
• concert pitch