Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mute for a violin or other stringed instrument: A "sordino" is a small device, typically made of metal, rubber, or wood, that is attached to the bridge of a stringed instrument to dampen its vibrations, thereby softening and muffling the sound it produces.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The violinist attached a sordino to her instrument for the melancholic passage.
  • The score specifically calls for the use of a sordino in the second movement.

Advanced Usage

• "Con sordino": An Italian musical term, often abbreviated "con sord.", meaning "with mute." It is a directive for a player to apply the sordino.

  • The entire section played con sordino, creating a distant, ethereal sound.

• "Senza sordino": An Italian musical term meaning "without mute." It is a directive to remove the sordino and resume playing with the instrument's full, open sound.

  • After the quiet interlude, the marking was senza sordino.

Variants and Related Words

• Sordine (n): A less common plural form of "sordino."
• Mute (n): The more general English term for a device used to soften the sound of a musical instrument. A sordino is a type of mute specifically for string instruments.

Synonyms

• Mute: A device for softening the sound of an instrument.
• Damper: A device that deadens or muffles sound, though more commonly associated with pianos.

Related Phrases

• "With mute": The English equivalent of "con sordino."

  • Play this section with mute.

• "Muted": The resulting sound quality when a sordino is used.

  • The strings had a beautifully muted tone.

Noun

1. a mute for a violin