Furioso

/fjʊriˈoʊsoʊ/ noun

Definition

In music, a direction to play with great force, passion, and wild energy; a furiously angry or passionate man.

Etymology

From Spanish/Italian 'furioso' (furious), from Latin 'furiosus.' The musical term became standard in 19th-century concert music and opera.

Kelly Says

Composers use 'furioso' to tell musicians 'stop playing pretty—this needs to sound like rage incarnate.' It's the musical equivalent of flipping a table, and audiences feel the difference instantly.

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