con sordino

Italian composer

Definition

With mute. On the piano this historically indicated use of the soft pedal (una corda). Mozart used it in slow, introspective movements for a veiled, intimate tone.

Interpretive Guidance

Use the soft pedal sparingly and with intention in Mozart's slow movements — particularly the C minor Fantasia K. 475. The effect should suggest a hushed, inward quality rather than mere quietness.

Context

Scope Used by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Language Italian

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