Aperto

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a horn or brass part to cancel chiuso or a mute, often with o over the first open note; over a hi-hat it means open cymbals. It takes effect at once and lasts until the next stopped or muted indication.

How Composers Use It

Always cancel a stopped or muted passage explicitly; otherwise players continue as last told. Aperto is the Italian counterpart of offen, ouvert and open, so match the language of your other directions. Quick alternation of + and o on successive horn notes is possible but tiring, so give it room.

Related Terms