sforzando
A sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord. Abbreviated as sfz.
In Depth
Sforzando (sfz) is a sudden, sharp accent on a single note or chord — an immediate burst of force followed by a return to the prevailing dynamic level. The word comes from sforzare, meaning to force, and the effect is like a musical exclamation mark.
Sforzando is one of the most dramatic tools available to a composer. Beethoven used sfz marks prolifically, often placing them on unexpected beats to create rhythmic surprise and intense energy. A sforzando in a pianissimo passage is particularly startling — the sudden accent erupts from the quiet like a shout in a whispered conversation.
Beethoven used sforzando marks on weak beats so often that his music sometimes sounds like it's arguing with itself — the accents fall where you least expect them.