spiccato: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “spiccato” mean?
A technique of bowing on a string instrument where the bow is bounced lightly on the string to produce short, distinct, separated notes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique of bowing on a string instrument where the bow is bounced lightly on the string to produce short, distinct, separated notes.
In music, it can also refer to a passage of music meant to be played with this technique. The term can be applied descriptively to any style or movement that is light, detached, or bouncy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both use the same Italian-derived term.
Connotations
Carries identical connotations of technical skill and musical precision in both dialects.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity outside of musical contexts. Its frequency is confined to musical instruction, performance, and criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “spiccato” in a Sentence
[subject] plays a passage [spiccato]The [musician] used spiccato for the lively section.It is marked spiccato in the score.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spiccato” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cellist must spiccato this entire run.
American English
- You need to spiccato these sixteenth notes.
adverb
British English
- Play these quavers spiccato.
adjective
British English
- The spiccato passage requires immense control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, performance practice, and instrumental pedagogy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when discussing classical music in detail.
Technical
Core term in string instrument technique and musical notation/articulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spiccato”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spiccato”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spiccato”
- Confusing spiccato with staccato (which indicates shortness but not necessarily a specific bowing technique).
- Using it to describe wind or percussion playing (it is specific to bowed strings).
- Pronouncing it /spaɪˈkɑːtoʊ/ (it's spɪ-KAH-toh).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Staccato is a general musical term meaning 'short and detached.' Spiccato is a specific technique for bowed string instruments to achieve a staccato effect by bouncing the bow off the string.
No. Ricochet (or jeté) is a thrown bow stroke where the bow is dropped or thrown to bounce several times in one bow direction. Spiccato is a controlled, individual bounce per note, often alternating bow directions.
Yes, but it is more challenging to control due to the string's high tension and thinness. It is often more effective on the lower, gut/core strings (G, D, and A).
No, it has been in use since at least the Baroque period, though the specific term and its precise execution have evolved over time.
A technique of bowing on a string instrument where the bow is bounced lightly on the string to produce short, distinct, separated notes.
Spiccato is usually specialized / technical in register.
Spiccato: in British English it is pronounced /spɪˈkɑːtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɪˈkɑːtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"It's all spiccato and no soul." (metaphorical, implying overly technical/mechanical playing with no emotion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cricket (spider) jumping on a string. The 'spic' in spiccato reminds you of the quick, sharp, jumping motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
MUSICAL ARTICULATION IS PHYSICAL MOVEMENT (bouncing, jumping).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary instrumental domain of 'spiccato'?