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.

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Etymology

Origin of passagework

First recorded in 1860–65; passage ¹ + work

Example Sentences

His passagework had a hard glare, and he lined up chords neatly like punctuation marks.

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2022

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

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2021

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

Although Watts’s passagework may be more effortful than in the past, the glories of his sound were still there: the muscular chords, the gleaming tone, and the ability to spin out an ever-so-delicate phrase.

From Washington Post • Nov. 19, 2017

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