What does the word 'sempre' translate to when used in music?

The term 'sempre' in music translates to 'always.' This word is used in musical notation to indicate that a particular instruction or quality should be maintained throughout a passage. For example, if a piece instructs the musician to play 'sempre staccato,' it means to play in a staccato manner consistently, without exception, throughout the entire section. This reinforces a sense of continuity and commitment to the expressive directive suggested by the composer.

Understanding this terminology is essential for interpreting musical scores accurately and conveying the intended emotions and character of the music.