Mano destra

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below a note or passage, usually as m.d. (M.D.), to have it taken by the right hand — typically notes written on the lower staff, or a hand crossing. It applies to the marked notes only; m.s. marks the left hand. French scores print the same m.d. for main droite.

Abbreviations: m.d., M.D., m. d.

How Composers Use It

Hand marks clarify distribution where the notation could mislead: crossed hands, a melody shared between the hands, notes placed on the other staff for readability. Use them sparingly — pianists redistribute freely — and only where the choice of hand changes the sound or the gesture. In hand-crossing keyboard writing, from Scarlatti and Mozart on, they are close to essential.

Example

Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 5 in G major, K. 283, first movement (Allegro), left-hand staff, m. 30: “m.d.”, answered by “m.s.” in the next bar.

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