Double Bass Dvorak 9 Largo Pizzicato section - mutes??

[LouisF]

In the pizz section (eight bars after rehearsal #2) are mutes on or off? I have two editions with two conflicting indications.
Thanks
Louis

 

[basscleff94010]

Louis, the one time I played the piece, that excerpt was muted almost throughout, including the pizz. However, I am just an amateur. The NYPhil archives Breitkopf edition has the "mute on" penciled in. New York Philharmonic Archives: Viewer
I think it may be up to the conductor, of course.
Paul

 

[LouisF]

I'm pretty much the amateur myself, so thanks Paul. The LA Phil parts also have it penciled in, but not printed. They take the mutes off (penciled) for the bowed triplet figures a bit later. We'll work it out Monday at rehearsal I'm sure. Thanks

 

[basscleff94010]

Louis, as a side note, learning to play the quiet but very exposed pizz with a section of eight basses was quite a learning experience for me. I learned how much the body language of the other bassists mattered.

I was aware of the LA Phil's archives but I had not seen parts. Can you provide a link to that, please?

Thank you,
Paul

 

[elberon]

Just played this in April, mutes are on at the beginning of the mvt. and don’t come off until four bars after letter D (reh. 4, m.94) for the triplet 16th passage that starts with an E#. Mutes back on at m. 105.

 

[LouisF]

Thanks Elbron, that's pretty much what I've decided (being principal for this community orchestra.

LA Phil youtube clearly shows mutes (and teamwork!)

The orchestra part is attached

 

[elberon]

Cool, have fun with it!

 

[elberon]

For those of you who are unaware, “con sord” means “with mute” and “senza sord” means “without mute.” These directions are printed in the NYP part. Sometimes “sordino” instead of the abbreviation “sord” is used. Means the same thing.