gyorsulva

Gyorsulva is a Hungarian musical term meaning “accelerating” or “speeding up.” It designates a gradual increase in tempo over a passage, analogous to the Italian term accelerando. The instruction is used in scores prepared for Hungarian performers or editions that employ Hungarian tempo language.

Etymology and form: the word derives from gyorsul, “to speed up,” with the participial suffix -va forming a directive. In a score the instruction may appear by itself as gyorsulva, or alongside tempo markings and expressive signs.

Performance practice: when gyorsulva appears, performers are expected to raise the tempo gradually and evenly toward a faster tempo, rather than making a sudden change. The rate of acceleration is not fixed and depends on musical style, phrasing, and ensemble coordination; it may be reinforced by tempo hairpins or additional markings.

Relation to other terms: gyorsulva is the Hungarian equivalent of accelerando and should not be confused with ritardando, which signals a gradual slowing. In bilingual editions, accelerando and gyorsulva may appear together or be used interchangeably depending on the edition’s language practice.

Usage: while most common in classical and Romantic repertoire, gyorsulva also appears in modern scores that use Hungarian terminology. It serves to heighten momentum, propel a cadence, and alter character within a passage.

See also: accelerando, ritardando, tempo marking.