Ottava alta

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff, usually just as 8va with a dashed line (8va alta is rarer), over the notes to be played an octave higher; loco or the end of the line cancels it.

Abbreviations: 8va alta

Also spelled: ottava sopra

How Composers Use It

This is all’ottava placed above the staff; the explicit alta only matters where a plain 8va might be misread, as in editions that also use 8va below the staff. Use it for passages that stay high; for one high note, ledger lines are usually clearer. Avoid octave lines in vocal parts, where singers expect to read the pitch they sing.

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