spiccato
Bow leaves string
Spiccato is a bowing technique in string playing where the bow bounces lightly off the strings, producing short, crisp, detached notes.
The effect falls between legato (smooth and connected) and staccato (sharply separated).
Musicians use spiccato for rapid passages requiring clarity and lightness: The violinist executed the spiccato passage with precision.
Notes played separately
Spring back after impact
- lightnessMinimal weight or gravity
- reboundReturn after deflection
- crispnessSnappy, firm texture
- clarityState of being understandable
brilliance · sparkle · agility · precision · articulation · separation · buoyancy · spring
Supremely accomplished performer
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
recital · passage · etude · cadenza · technique · dexterity · mastery · practice
Keyed percussion instrument
- forteArea of expertise
- pianissimoExtremely quiet, in scores
- fortissimoVery loud, musically
- accentRegional speech pattern
crescendo · decrescendo · controlled · delicate · vigorous · projection · intensity · nuance
détaché
Notes played separately
arco · tremolo · sul tasto · contact point
bounce
Spring back after impact
clarity · brilliance · sparkle · agility · precision · articulation · separation · buoyancy · spring · elasticity
virtuoso
Supremely accomplished performer
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
chamber · recital · passage · etude · cadenza · technique · dexterity · mastery · practice · execution
piano
Keyed percussion instrument
- forteArea of expertise
- pianissimoExtremely quiet, in scores
- fortissimoVery loud, musically
accent · crescendo · decrescendo · controlled · delicate · vigorous · projection · intensity · nuance