Hälfte

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part, usually as “die Hälfte” (half the section plays), with “die andere Hälfte” for the remaining players and numbered forms such as “I. Hälfte”. It holds until “alle”, Tutti or the other half is called; different parts in the same bar often carry different instructions.

Also spelled: Haelfte, die Hälfte

How Composers Use It

Halving a section thins the sound without the exposure of a solo — useful for a quiet inner line, for balance against a soloist, or for setting two halves against each other. Players usually split by desk; say so if a particular split matters. Mark the return (alle) clearly, or the reduced section may stay reduced.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, second movement, cellos, m. 214: “die Hälfte.” at pp.

Related Terms