Segue

/ˈsɛɡweɪ/SEG-way
Other Common TermsItalian

Definition. Follow — proceed immediately to the next section without break.

Detailed Explanation

Segue is Italian for ‘follow’. As a performance direction it instructs the performer to proceed immediately to the next section or movement without break — similar to attacca. The direction creates dramatic continuity by eliminating the natural pause between sections.

Segue is most commonly used in popular music, jazz, and theatre scores, where pieces are often grouped into medleys or continuous sequences. In a band score, ‘segue’ between two pieces tells the performers to play one immediately after the other without stopping.

In classical music, attacca is more common; segue tends to be used in more popular or theatrical contexts. Both have essentially the same meaning — don’t pause between sections.

Etymology

Italian, third person singular of seguire (‘to follow’), from Latin sequi (‘to follow’).

In Practice

Don’t pause. Move directly into the next section, maintaining tempo and energy as appropriate. The transition should feel inevitable.

Notable Examples

  • Musical theatre — Common usage  (frequent segue between numbers)

Related Terms

Opposite Of

Frequently Asked Questions

Segue nghĩa là gì trong âm nhạc?

Follow — proceed immediately to the next section without break.

Từ Segue bắt nguồn từ đâu?

Italian, third person singular of seguire (‘to follow’), from Latin sequi (‘to follow’).

Segue được thể hiện thế nào trong thực tế?

Don’t pause. Move directly into the next section, maintaining tempo and energy as appropriate. The transition should feel inevitable.

Những thuật ngữ âm nhạc nào liên quan đến Segue?

Thuật ngữ liên quan: Attacca, Simile.

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