sul ponticello
Italian composer
Definition
\"Near the bridge.\" In piano music, Crumb uses this term to indicate playing directly on the piano strings near the hitch pins, producing a glassy, nasal tone with prominent upper harmonics.
Interpretive Guidance
To achieve this effect, depress the sustain pedal and pluck or bow the strings in the indicated register. The timbre should be bright and eerie, never warm or singing.