Armonici

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string or harp passage (armonici, suoni armonici), but the notes carry the instruction: a small circle over a note for a natural harmonic, a diamond-shaped note above a stopped note for an artificial one. On the harp a circle usually means a harmonic sounding an octave above the written note. Ordinario or naturale ends the passage.

Also spelled: suoni armonici, armonico

How Composers Use It

Harmonics give a cool, glassy, flute-like tone with little weight. Notate either the touched position (diamond) or the sounding pitch and make clear which; showing both — the fingering plus a small note at the resulting pitch — avoids errors. Natural harmonics on open strings are the most secure; artificial ones need a stretch and are risky in fast passages. They balance only against very light accompaniment.

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