sordini

The term _senza sordini_ is also occasionally found in old editions, indicating that the damper pedal is to be depressed, while _con sordini_ shows that it is to be released.

Music Notation and Terminology Karl Wilson Gehrkens 1928

These expressions are taken from a usage in music for stringed instruments, in which the term _con sordini_ means that the mute (a small clamp of metal, ivory or hardwood) is to be affixed to the bridge, this causing a modification in both power and quality of the tone.

Music Notation and Terminology Karl Wilson Gehrkens 1928

It is announced by the horns con sordini, accompanied very softly by held notes in the strings, except viola, pizzicato in the celli, and tympani.

Edward MacDowell Porte, John F 1922

CPE Bach: Cello Concerto in A major Wq. 172: Largo con sordini, mesto 8: 08 9.

AvaxHome RSS: 2010

+ underneath the note, sometimes followed by O, denoting the resumption of open sounds, senza sordini.

Principles of orchestration 1923

The extreme pathos of the opening section, with the wailing phrase in the muted strings under the reiterated G of the flutes (an inverted organ-point of sixteen _adagio_ measures); the indescribable effect of the muted horn heard from behind the scenes, over an accompaniment of divided violas and 'cellos _con sordini_; the heart-shaking sadness and beauty of the succeeding passage for all the muted strings; the mysterious and solemn close: these are outstanding moments in a masterpiece of the first rank: a page which would honour any music-maker, living or dead.

Edward MacDowell Lawrence Gilman 1908

_pianissimo legato_, a chorus with closed lips, all the stringed instruments _sordini_.

Somehow Good William Frend De Morgan 1878

'cellos con sordini; the heart-shaking sadness and beauty of the succeeding passage for all the muted strings; the mysterious and solemn close: these are outstanding moments in a masterpiece of the first rank: a page which would honour any music-maker, living or dead.

Edward MacDowell Gilman, Lawrence, 1878-1939 1908