Meaning of "Senza Sordino" in Music
"Senza sordino" is an Italian musical term that translates to "without mute" in English. It is a direction given to musicians to indicate that they should remove or play without a mute. The term is commonly used in orchestral and piano music.
In orchestral music, a mute is a device that is placed on the bridge or over the strings of certain instruments, such as the violin, viola, cello, or trumpet, to alter the sound produced. Mutes can create a softer, more subdued, or muted tone quality. When the direction "senza sordino" is given, it means that the musicians should remove the mute and play with the regular, open sound of their instruments.
In piano music, "senza sordino" is specifically used to indicate that the sustain pedal should be used. The sustain pedal, also known as the damper pedal, allows the strings of the piano to vibrate freely, creating a sustained sound. When the direction "senza sordino" is given in piano music, it means that the pianist should use the sustain pedal to sustain the sound of the notes being played.
It's worth noting that "senza sordino" is sometimes used interchangeably with "senza sordini" or other similar variants, all of which convey the same meaning of playing without a mute.
**Sources:**- (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/senza_sordino) (Wiktionary)-(https://www.dictionary.com/browse/sordino) (Dictionary.com)-(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/senza-sordino) (Collins English Dictionary)-(https://www.pianosociety.com/threads/moonlight-sonata-senza-sordini.2825/) (Piano Society)-(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/senza-sordino) (Collins English Dictionary)-(https://www.musicbanter.com/talk-instruments/23561-what-does-senza-sordino-con-sordino-mean.html) (Music Banter)-(https://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/texts/SenzaSordina.html) (Music Dictionary)-(https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=40580.0) (Piano Street)-(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YJ1w5fRzRg) (YouTube: Schiff goes on to)-(https://www.stringmusicians.com/common-music-terms-explained/) (The String Musicians Guide)
The Italian term for without mute.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [English] without mute
- [French] sans sourdine
- [German] ohne Dämpfer
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