In musical notation, the term indicates that a direction or articulation should be maintained throughout a passage until otherwise indicated. For instance, sempre piano directs that the music should remain soft, and this instruction continues to apply until a subsequent dynamic marking is given. This instruction ensures consistency in performance, preventing deviation from the composer’s intended expression.
The utilization of this directive is crucial for maintaining stylistic integrity and accurate interpretation of musical works. Its implementation provides a clear and concise method for conveying sustained performance instructions, contributing to the overall coherence and artistic effect. Historically, its adoption standardized performance practice, allowing for greater fidelity to a composer’s vision across different performances and interpretations.