Vide

As Printed on a Score

Printed as vi- at the start of an optional cut and -de at its end, so the player jumps from vi- to -de when the cut is taken; it applies only to that cut.

Also spelled: vi-de

How Composers Use It

Use it to mark optional cuts without rewriting the score, a practice common in opera and oratorio. Make sure the music joins smoothly at the cut, in harmony and in voice-leading, and print the signs in every part, since a cut taken by only some players causes chaos. Whether a cut is taken is decided in rehearsal, so the uncut version must remain playable too.