Which term means 'without' in musical notation?

Which term means 'without' in musical notation?

• A. Sans
• B. Non
• C. Subito
• D. Poco a poco

Answer: (A)

In musical notation, words from different languages tell you how to change the way you perform, especially about what to omit or skip. Sans means without, and in a score it signals you should omit a feature—for example, play sans vibrato means without vibrato. The other terms have different functions: non is a general negation (not), but it doesn’t specify omission of a feature in the way sans does; subito means suddenly, directing an abrupt change; poco a poco means gradually, indicating a n gradual shift. So the word that best conveys “without” is sans.

In musical notation, words from different languages tell you how to change the way you perform, especially about what to omit or skip. Sans means without, and in a score it signals you should omit a feature—for example, play sans vibrato means without vibrato.

The other terms have different functions: non is a general negation (not), but it doesn’t specify omission of a feature in the way sans does; subito means suddenly, directing an abrupt change; poco a poco means gradually, indicating a n gradual shift. So the word that best conveys “without” is sans.