Quindicesima

As Printed on a Score

Shown as 15ma (sometimes 15va) with a dashed line above the staff for two octaves higher, or 15mb (15ma bassa) below it for two octaves lower; the end of the line or loco cancels it.

Abbreviations: 15ma, 15ma., 15mb, 15va

Also spelled: quindicesima alta, quindicesima bassa

How Composers Use It

Reserve it for the extremes of piano, harp, celesta or glockenspiel, where even an 8va line would leave a forest of ledger lines. Never let it overlap an 8va line; end one before starting the next. Most orchestral instruments never need it, and their players read it slowly.

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