Nobile

What it means

Nobile means “noble, distinguished” and calls for a dignified performance: calm tone, moderate dynamics, sustained movement, an attitude without exaggeration.

The marking concerns expression and usually stands as an addition to a tempo word. It influences the tempo indirectly, because a dignified performance does not hurry.

Among the words for grandeur and dignity, the differences lie in the point of view. Grandioso means the grandeur of the impression, pomposo festive splendour, maestoso the majestic. Nobile designates the inner bearing — dignity that does not show off. The German equivalent is würdig or edel.

In the notation

The word stands in italics above the staff, usually after a tempo word, and applies until a new marking. It is often found over themes with broad melodic writing, even note values, and clear harmony.

Musical use

The designation is used over themes and sections that are to sound solemn but not showy: in slow introductions, in secondary themes, in hymns, and in orchestral passages in which a broad melody is carried. In the music of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it is widespread.

The instruction calls for a noble, dignified performance with a full but not heavy tone and measured movement. It is found in the music of the Romantic era and the late nineteenth century, for instance in Elgar, whose orchestral works are often headed nobilmente. The character lies between solemn and composed: upright, generous in phrasing, without pathos or exaggeration. Broad bow leading, calm breathing, and clear, not hard accents support the expression. The tempo is usually moderate, often in connection with a marking such as andante or moderato. It is to be avoided that dignity tips over into ponderousness.

Performance practice

Keep the tone full and calm, without forcing it. Avoid exaggerations in dynamics and agogics; dignity arises from measure. Give the long values their full duration and let the phrases run in large arcs. And keep the tempo steady — a noble performance does not waver.