Sordino

Sordino is Italian for ‘mute’ — a device attached to an instrument to soften and alter its tone. On bowed strings, the mute is a small clip placed on the bridge that dampens its vibration, producing a softer, more veiled sound. On brass instruments, the mute is a device inserted into the bell of the instrument, drastically altering tone color.

The directions con sordino (‘with mute’) and senza sordino (‘without mute’) tell the performer when to attach and remove the mute. Mute changes typically take a few seconds; composers usually allow time in the score for the change to be made.

Muted sound is fundamental to expressive coloring. Muted strings sound veiled, distant, often dreamy or melancholy. Muted brass produces a wide variety of effects depending on the type of mute — some soften, others nasalize, others create comic or jazzy tones. Tchaikovsky and Mahler use muted strings extensively for atmosphere; Mahler also uses muted brass for grotesque effects.

Italian, ‘mute’, from Latin surdus (‘deaf, mute’).

Practice the mute change. On strings, the mute attaches/detaches in a moment but requires a free hand. On brass, the mute insertion/removal can take longer. Plan the timing in advance.