Which term describes the technique that produces a harsh sound by bowing near the bridge?

• A. Sul Tasto
• B. Sul Ponticello
• C. Sautillé
• D. Detache

Answer: (B)

Timbre on bowed strings changes with where you place the bow. Bowing close to the bridge—sul ponticello—produces a harsh, bright, almost metallic sound because the bow contact is at a point that emphasizes the string’s higher overtones and reduces damping. That edge or bite in the tone is intentional for dramatic effects in certain passages.

In contrast, playing near the fingerboard (sul tasto) yields a softer, more muted, airy tone because the string is damped more and the higher partials are less prominent. Sautillé is a fast, bouncing bow style used for light, rapid articulation, not specifically about producing a harsh tone. Detache is a clean, separated-bow stroke with a full, even tone, again not about creating the harsh texture associated with sul ponticello.