forz

Forz is a term most commonly encountered in music notation as an abbreviation related to forceful articulation. In many scores, the Italian word forzando is shortened to forz., indicating that the note or chord should be emphasized with a sudden, strong attack. This form of expression sits between a regular accent and the more pronounced sforzando (sfz) in terms of intensity.

Usage and interpretation vary by context and editor. The forz instruction is typically attached to a single note or a brief musical figure and is usually resolved quickly to a softer dynamic. Some editors use forz to indicate forzando, while others may employ it interchangeably with forzato (often shown as forz.). The performer’s interpretation—tempo, dynamics, and attack—also influences the exact balance of emphasis.

Origins and etymology: The term derives from Italian forza, meaning force. Forzando literally means “forcing,” and its usage in notation became established in the 18th and 19th centuries as composers sought explicit marks for sudden emphasis.

Other contexts: Outside music, forz appears as part of Italian words such as forza (force) or forzare (to force). It is not widely used as an independent technical term in other disciplines, though the string “forz” may appear in various forms within words or names.

Related terms include sforzando (sfz), which denotes an even stronger, more abrupt accent, and forzato, a related dynamic instruction.