With mute

As Printed on a Score

Printed over the part where muted playing begins, normally after rests long enough to fit the mute; it holds until without mute, mute off or open. It is the English form of con sordino.

How Composers Use It

Give the player time: strings need a few seconds to fit a mute, brass a little more. For brass, name the mute if colour matters (with straight mute). Muting only some players or one section lets the muted colour stand out against the rest of the orchestra rather than dulling the whole texture.

Related Terms