Sur

As Printed on a Score

Printed inside technical directions over the part concerned: sur la touche (bow over the fingerboard), sur le chevalet (at the bridge), sur la corde de sol (on the G string), pédales sur chaque temps (pedal on every beat). Such a direction lasts until a contrary one — usually naturel or position ordinaire — restores normal playing.

How Composers Use It

Sur introduces where something happens, so in string writing it usually names a bowing position or a string. These directions change tone colour more than volume: sur la touche gives a veiled, soft-edged sound, sur le chevalet a glassy one. Always plan the cancellation — write naturel or position ordinaire where normal bowing returns — or the player will carry the colour to the end of the passage.

Example

Lili Boulanger, D’un matin de printemps, violin, m. 113: “sur la touche”, printed with “arco” in the same bar.

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