Mit Bogen

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part, usually in the full form “mit dem Bogen”, to cancel a pizzicato (like arco) or to say how the string is struck (“mit dem Bogen geschlagen”). It lasts until the next pizz. or technique change.

Also spelled: mit dem Bogen

How Composers Use It

Arco is still the commonest way back from pizzicato, but mit dem Bogen reads naturally in an all-German score and is unambiguous. Its other use matters more: mit dem Bogen geschlagen (struck with the bow) and mit dem Holz des Bogens (with the wood, col legno) name special strokes, so write the full phrase rather than leaving the player to guess.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, first movement, m. 20: every string section is marked “mit dem Bogen geschlagen” — struck with the bow — at ff.

Related Terms