Alla punta

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the string staff at the passage to be played at the tip of the bow; it means the same as punta d’arco. It holds until another bow-placement or bowing word.

How Composers Use It

Playing at the tip lightens every stroke: soft tremolo, delicate staccato and quiet détaché all sound transparent there. The tip has little weight, so do not combine it with strong accents or loud dynamics. Use the same wording throughout your score — alla punta or punta d’arco — rather than mixing the two.

Related Terms