Tre Corde
Definition. Three strings — full release of the una corda pedal, returning to normal tone.
Detailed Explanation
Tre corde, Italian for ‘three strings’, is a piano direction instructing the player to fully release the una corda pedal so hammers strike all three strings normally. The marking cancels a previous una corda direction and returns the piano to its full, unaltered tone.
The direction is the natural counterpart to una corda. Where una corda softens and veils the tone, tre corde restores fullness. The transition from una corda to tre corde is dramatic — the tone opens up, gains brightness, and reaches full dynamic potential.
Like many of these markings, tre corde dates from early-19th-century pianos where the una corda mechanism could be set to varying degrees. Modern usage primarily uses tre corde to cancel a previous una corda; intermediate stages (due corde) are rare.
Etymology
Italian, ‘three strings’ — tre (‘three’) + corde (‘strings’).
In Practice
Fully release the left pedal. The tone will return to its normal full state — ready for full dynamic range and bright tone color.
Notable Examples
- Beethoven — Late piano sonatas (tre corde to cancel una corda)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
Hva betyr Tre Corde i musikk?
Three strings — full release of the una corda pedal, returning to normal tone.
Hvor kommer ordet Tre Corde fra?
Italian, ‘three strings’ — tre (‘three’) + corde (‘strings’).
Hvordan utføres Tre Corde i praksis?
Fully release the left pedal. The tone will return to its normal full state — ready for full dynamic range and bright tone color.
Hvilke musikkuttrykk henger sammen med Tre Corde?
Beslektede begreper: Una Corda, Due Corde.
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