spiccato

[ spi-kah-toh; Italian speek-kah-taw ]

adjective

1. (of violin music) performed with short, abrupt, rebounding motions of the bow.

spiccato

/ spɪˈkɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. a style of playing a bowed stringed instrument in which the bow bounces lightly off the strings

adjective

1. to be played in this manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiccato¹

1840–50; < Italian, equivalent to spicc- (stem of spiccare to detach) + -ato < Latin -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiccato¹

Italian: detached, from spiccare to make distinct

Example Sentences

Spiccato is generally held to be more difficult than staccato; yet I myself find it easier.

From Project Gutenberg

And in a technical way spiccato bowing, which many find so hard, has always been easy to me.

From Project Gutenberg

In light spiccato and staccato the detached notes should be played always with a single stroke of the bow.

From Project Gutenberg

In a very broad spiccato, the arm may be brought into play; but otherwise not, since it makes rapid playing impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

He cannot play spiccato or any of the 'bouncing' bowings, including various forms of arpeggios, with a poor stick.

From Project Gutenberg