arco

Thân thiện

The cellist plays the passage arco.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • With the bow: A musical direction indicating that a passage for a string instrument (especially of the violin family) should be played using the bow, as opposed to being plucked (pizzicato).

Usage

• Adverb:
  • This term is used almost exclusively in written musical scores and instructions for string players.
  • It often appears after a passage marked pizzicato (plucked) to instruct the player to return to normal bowing.
  • The score indicates 'arco' for the cello section at measure 32.
  • After the plucked section, the violins play arco.

Advanced Usage

• As a performance instruction: The term is a standard directive in classical music notation. It is not typically used in casual conversation about music but is essential for performers reading sheet music.
  • The composer's notation clearly switches from pizzicato to arco to change the texture.

Variants and Related Words

• Pizzicato (adv. & adj.): The opposite technique; to pluck the strings with the finger.
  • The violinist expertly switched between arco and pizzicato passages.

Synonyms

• Bowed: Played with a bow.
  • The bowed (arco) section created a sustained, lyrical sound.

Antonyms

• Pizzicato: Plucked.

Related Phrases

• Arco versus Pizzicato: A common contrast in string music between bowed and plucked sounds.
  • The movement's charm lies in the interplay of arco and pizzicato techniques.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (of instruments in the violin family) to be played with the bow