passagework

American  

[pas-ij-wurk] / ˈpæs ɪdʒˌwɜrk /

noun

Music.

1. writing that is often extraneous to the thematic material of a work and is typically of a virtuosic or decorative character.

   passagework consisting of scales, arpeggios, trills, and double octaves.

2. the performance of such writing.

   The pianist's passagework is brilliantly clear and smooth.

---

Etymology

Origin of passagework

First recorded in 1860–65; passage ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Her scintillating accounts of the scherzos deftly balance bursts of breathless passagework and plaintive lyricism.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2021

Kern is a pianist of muscle and blazing, headlong speed: the densest passagework cruised, even occasionally hurtling past Slatkin’s warm, firmly outlined accompaniment.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2019

Rossini’s coloratura flourishes and speedy passagework pose no problems for Costa-Jackson, whose voice flows easily from the lower register to well above the staff, without any awkward transitions.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2019

If his right-hand passagework did not always sparkle, it hardly mattered, for all the genial warmth and integrity of his playing.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2019

There is no question of the Verona’s technical address; ensemble and intonation are excellent, and passagework was secure throughout.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2017