D-Saite

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part at the first note to be played on the D string — “D-Saite”, “D Saite”, “auf der D-Saite” — sometimes with a bracket or dashed line showing how far it lasts. It holds until another string is named or gewöhnlich is written. Italian scores write sul D, or III corda on violin and II corda on viola and cello.

Also spelled: D Saite

How Composers Use It

Keeping a phrase on one string gives it a single timbre and turns the shifts into expressive slides. On the violin the D string is warm and slightly covered, darker than the same pitches on the A, and Mahler pairs string choices with glissandi so the shifts are heard. Stay within comfortable reach of the open string: very high positions on a lower string sound strained.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, third movement (Scherzo), first violins, m. 134: “D-Saite.” at pp, with a gliss. in the next bar and “G-Saite.” at m. 136.

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