passagework
Americannoun
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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.
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the performance of such writing.
The pianist's passagework is brilliantly clear and smooth.
Etymology
Origin of passagework
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His passagework had a hard glare, and he lined up chords neatly like punctuation marks.
From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 2022
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
Mr. Palfalvi, the trumpeter, brought juicy tone and chiseled passagework to works by Bartok, Enescu and Sarasate.
From New York Times ● Jan. 30, 2018
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
