Geschlagen

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below the staff, usually as part of a phrase that says what strikes what — mit dem Bogen geschlagen on string staves, or a stick or beater named on a percussion staff. It lasts until a new playing direction (gestrichen, arco, a new beater) cancels it.

How Composers Use It

It turns a sustained or bowed sound into a percussive one, so it changes colour more than volume. Say exactly what is struck with what; geschlagen alone leaves the player to guess, and the choice between hair and wood of the bow changes the sound a great deal.

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