What is meant by "muta" in musical terminology?

In musical terminology, "muta" comes from the Italian word for "change." It is often used in contexts where an instrument or a specific note is to be changed or altered in some way, such as muta in a specific tuning or key change. This term can indicate a variety of modifications, which may include adjustments to the instrument's set-up, like changing the tuning or switching to a different playing technique.

This is particularly relevant in instrument-specific contexts; for example, string players may see "muta" indicating a change in tuning or the use of different strings. Understanding this terminology helps musicians interpret written scores accurately, reflecting the necessary adjustments needed during performance.