Vuota

[Geotuba]

I recently had the opportunity to play all 11 notes of the 4th trombone (probably Cimbasso actually) part in “Christmas Eve at Momus” (from La Bohème, Act II) by Puccini and noted an instruction I had never seen before.

Over a bar of silence was the word "Vuota"

Checking my online Italian dictionary I found that, as well as being an adjective meaning "empty" (like a G.P. I guess), it was also the singular imperative form of a verb meaning "to empty, to drain" - so I like to think that this was actually an instruction to the brass players to get rid of liquid from their instruments

[paulgwinston]

According to my old 1944 Harvard Dictionary of Music, "vuoto" as applied for example to a vocal line of Marcello's in La Boheme means "toneless" ("empty emotionally" we might say). "Corda vuota"= "open string.

[jeopardymaster]

I would interpret that as no "warmth" or vibrato. Probably makes more sense for whoever has the melody (if anyone).

[jeopardymaster]

I just reread the post - it's an empty bar.