Sotto

As Printed on a Score

In keyboard music it is printed alone over the notes of the hand that passes beneath the other in a crossing, often alternating with “sopra”; it lasts until the crossing ends or the opposite word appears. Far more often it appears in “sotto voce”, a hushed manner that holds until a new dynamic replaces it.

How Composers Use It

As a hand direction, sotto clarifies crossings that the notes alone leave ambiguous: which hand goes under when both share a register. Mark it only where the crossing is not obvious, and add the hand (m.d., m.s.) if any doubt remains. In sotto voce the word turns expressive, an undertone quality rather than a measured dynamic, so it is often printed beside p or pp.

Example

Chopin, Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9 No. 1, m. 20: “sotto voce” at pp, after “con forza” at m. 18 and “smorz.” at m. 19.

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