Heroic

What it means

Heroisch (“heroic”) calls for a heroic, powerful performance: resolute, upright, with a large tone. The Italian equivalent is eroico.

What is meant is a bundle of means: definite rhythm, often with dotted rhythms, full unfolding of sound, clear accents, and an attitude that asserts itself. As with all character words, it is not about a single prescription but about an overall impression.

It differs from grandioso, which means grandeur and sublimity, through the forward drive: the grand rests, the heroic acts. It differs from energico through the claim: strength alone is not yet heroic, only the combination with greatness and resoluteness.

In the notation

The word stands above the staff at the beginning of a movement or section and applies until a new marking. Typical neighbours are rising triad motifs, dotted rhythms, brass sound, major harmony, and strong dynamics — means with which music since the eighteenth century depicts the heroic.

Musical use

The heroic is one of the great expressive ideals of the music around 1800 and shapes symphonies, overtures, and opera scenes of this time. In the music of the nineteenth century it becomes a fixed character type that composers shape in themes, movements, and whole works. In the score the marking is met over themes and sections that expressly call for this tone.

Its Italian equivalent is eroico, known from the title of Beethoven's Third Symphony, Sinfonia eroica. It is found in the music of the nineteenth century, often in connection with fanfare motifs, brass, and dotted rhythms. Beethoven's Third Symphony, the Eroica, counts as the epitome of heroic music. Chopin's Polonaise in A♭ major op. 53 bears the nickname Héroïque, which however does not come from the composer.

Performance practice

Play dotted rhythms sharply and rising lines with direction; the heroic shows itself in the rhythm and in the pull upward. Keep the sound full without pressing it. Keep reserve in the dynamics for the climax. And hold the tempo firm — resoluteness tolerates no wavering.