Dämpfer auf

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a brass or string part at the point where mutes go on, ideally after enough rest to fit them; muting then stays in force until Dämpfer ab or ohne Dämpfer.

How Composers Use It

Auf (on) and ab (off) are the shortest German mute commands, the counterparts of con sordino and senza sordino. Strings need a few seconds and brass rather longer to fit mutes, so leave rests. For brass, name the mute type if it matters; the word alone means the standard straight mute.

Related Terms