laissez vibrer

French universal

Definition

Let vibrate — allow the note or chord to resonate fully without damping.

Interpretive Guidance

Abbreviated l.v. Indicates that the sound should decay naturally rather than being dampened. Related to senza sordino; often encountered in Impressionist and 20th-century music.

Context

Scope Universal term
Language French

Learn musical terms in context

Key Passage surfaces musical terms within your practice, helping you understand and interpret the music you play.

Get Started Free