Rinf. rfz

Dorico
1

I would like to enter “rinf.” or “rinforzato”. When I do this, “sfz” is always displayed. I understand “sfz” as an immediate change in dynamics, while “rinf.” refers to a gradual dynamic change – similar to “cresc.” How can I achieve this?

2

Dorico doesn’t have a native appearance “rinf.”, but you can type “rfz” into the Shift+D popover, then activate the Hide intensity marking property and enter “rinf.” into the Prefix or Suffix property.

3

Thank you, that’s the solution!

4

Just pulling a summary off the internet, rfz is used for phrases. In this respect it is distinct from cresc. Note that the onset is sudden not gradual.

Rinforzando is an Italian musical term meaning “reinforcing” or “increasing in power,” indicating a sudden and short-lasting crescendo in music. It is often abbreviated as rfz and applies to a whole phrase rather than just single notes.

Definition of Rinforzando

Rinforzando is an Italian musical term that means “reinforcing” or “strengthening.” It is often abbreviated as rfz or rinf.

Usage in Music

Characteristics

  • Crescendo: Rinforzando indicates a sudden and short-lasting increase in volume, similar to a crescendo but applied to a whole phrase.
  • Application: It can be used to give prominence to a specific part in a musical piece, enhancing its impact.

Comparison with Similar Terms

Term Meaning Application
Rinforzando Reinforcing a passage, sudden increase in power Whole phrases
Sforzando (sfz) Emphasizing a single note or chord Individual notes
Crescendo Gradual increase in volume Can apply to single notes or phrases

Rinforzando is commonly used in various musical contexts to enhance the expressiveness of a performance.

[Forgive me if teaching you how to suck eggs.]

5

So is rfz similar to piu f in meaning?
I have to admit, I have never used rfz.

6

Any particular source?

I’ve never used it like that. I’ve only ever seen it applied to single note, similar to a sfz, but much less aggressive.

7

Some italian composers of the 19th century use “rinf.” like a stronger or louder alternative for “cresc.”. I never found a rfz in this specific music.

8

If you frequently use this indication in your score, you can create a playing technique (Library>Playing technique) as shown below. This will allow you to enter ‘rinf.’ via the Playing Techniques popover, which will be faster than reviewing the ‘sfz’ indication in Properties each time.

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9

Thank you; I will try.

10

Google AI summary.

11

Rinf. is common in Beethoven. (From op. 7 and op. 53):

Beethoven op 7 rinf
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Beethoven op 57 rinf
Beethoven op 57 rinf733×177 97 KB

I believe he also used rf. In my opinion all of these indications should be “native” in Dorico.

12

By coincidence I also came upon a few Rinf., Boccherini uses it a lot, I think already 4 times on these few measures! Never encounted it before, and I have to admit I also had to search for the meaning of it.

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Nice to have already a solution for the lack of Rinf in Dorico, which I was not aware of :slightly_smiling_face:

13

Or Debussy (here the first Étude)

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14

Thanks @JeroenH and @charles_piano Yes, rinf. is a very common direction. rf and rfz probably less so, and possibly reserved for single notes or chords.

I’ve always considered rinforzando to be a kind of sudden underlining of either a note or phrase of music. The idea that it is a gradual increase like a crescendo is new to me. If the latter is the case, then the cresc. hairpin in the Debussy would seem to be redundant.