Ottava
(oe-TAH-vah)
[It., octave]
An octave. Abbreviated as 8va. When written above a passage it indicates the passage should be performed an octave higher than written, and when written below a passage it indicates the passage should be performed an octave lower than written. In modern notation, the indication 8vb (ottava bassa) is used to designate an octave lower.
See also ottava bassa.
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