sostituendo

Sostituendo is an Italian musical term that translates to "replacing" or "substituting." In musical composition and performance, it refers to the act of replacing one element with another. This can encompass a variety of musical aspects. For instance, a composer might indicate a passage to be played by a different instrument than originally intended, or a performer might choose to substitute a particular note or chord for expressive or technical reasons.

The concept of sostituendo is particularly relevant in the context of improvisation or when dealing with variations on a theme. It allows for flexibility and creative interpretation within the framework of a musical piece. In some pedagogical approaches, identifying and executing substituendo can be a way to develop aural skills and understanding of harmonic relationships. It is not a formal compositional technique with strict rules but rather a descriptive term for a common musical practice. The specific nature of the substitution would be dictated by the musical context, the intentions of the composer or performer, and the desired sonic outcome.