migliorando

Migliorando is an Italian musical instruction used in score notation to indicate that the performer should gradually improve the quality of the playing or singing of a passage. The term comes from migliorare, meaning “to improve,” and its gerund form emphasizes an ongoing, progressive change.

Interpretation and usage

The directive is not strictly about dynamics; it concerns overall musical quality, including tone, phrasing, intonation, articulation, and expressive shaping. In strings and winds, it may call for a warmer tone, greater control of intonation, or more refined bowing and articulation. In piano music, it can imply a more even touch and a more developed musical line. In vocal music, it suggests a more controlled, cantabile line and thoughtful phrase shaping. Migliorando is often encountered alongside other expressive markings such as espressivo or cantabile and may be paired with poco a poco or man mano to signal a gradual improvement over a passage.

Notation and context

The marking can appear as a standalone instruction or as part of a longer phrase such as “migliorando poco a poco.” It is typically placed near the affected music and interpreted in light of the surrounding dynamics, tempo, and style indications, as well as the conductor’s guidance in an ensemble setting.

History and usage

Migliorando belongs to the Italian tradition of expressive markings used from the classical period onward. While not as common as some other terms, it appears in scores across different eras, reflecting a performer-focused aim to refine tone and musicality as a passage unfolds.