Determinato
Italian performance marking for firm, resolute playing.
What it means
Determinato comes from the Italian determinare, to determine or fix. The marking calls for a determined, resolute character of playing, in which tempo, dynamics, and expression are shaped clearly and purposefully.
Musical use
The marking appears mainly at passages with striking, energetic thematic material, such as forceful thematic entries or rhythmically distinctive passages. It is closely related to terms like deciso or risoluto and is occasionally used synonymously or as a complement to them.
Performance practice
Playing determinato calls for a firm, clear sound with distinct accents and a stable, confidently shaped sense of tempo. Hesitant phrasing or unclear dynamics run counter to the character of the marking, so performers should aim for consistency in tone and rhythm.