Breit gestrichen

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part at the start of a broad, heavy passage, often alongside markig or a string indication. It lasts until another bowing word.

How Composers Use It

Breit gestrichen asks for full-length strokes with weight — a big, sustained, slightly separated sound, the string player’s largamente. It suits broad themes, especially in the lower strings, and climaxes. Combine it with viel Bogen for maximum tone; it is pointless on fast notes, where there is no time for a broad stroke.

Example

Bruckner, Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, second movement (Adagio), first violins, m. 33: “breit gestrichen”, two bars after “breit markig” and “G Saite anfangs” at f.

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