Difference between revisions of "Pizzicato"
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==Technique== | ==Technique== | ||
| − | Bowed string instruments will typically play pizzicato passages with the right hand, while notes are fingered with the left. For short passages, the bow is held in the left hand while the strings are plucked with the index finger. During longer passages, the bow will be put down while plucking the strings. Other techniques exist, such as plucking the strings with the left hand, but are | + | Bowed string instruments will typically play pizzicato passages with the right hand, while notes are fingered with the left. For short passages, the bow is held in the left hand while the strings are plucked with the index finger. During longer passages, the bow will be put down while plucking the strings. Other techniques exist, such as plucking the strings with the left hand, but are very difficult and are only used in the most virtuosic repertoire. |
Other string instruments can be played pizzicato, but are done so rarely. The strings of a [[piano]] can be plucked directly, and the [[guitar]] can be plucked as well. | Other string instruments can be played pizzicato, but are done so rarely. The strings of a [[piano]] can be plucked directly, and the [[guitar]] can be plucked as well. | ||
[[Category:Musical terms]] | [[Category:Musical terms]] | ||
Revision as of 20:58, May 3, 2009
Pizzicato refers to a playing technique of plucking the strings on a stringed instrument. Different techniques are used on different instruments, such as the violin or the guitar.
History
The pizzicato technique first saw use in Claudio Monteverdi's Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, which was performed in the mid 1600's, sometime around 1638. Various other pieces of music use pizzicato; specific instructions are provided to performers when to use pizzicato.
Pizzicato is also popular in jazz and blues music, particularly with the double bass. Double bass parts in these styles are almost exclusively plucked, as opposed to being played with a bow.
Technique
Bowed string instruments will typically play pizzicato passages with the right hand, while notes are fingered with the left. For short passages, the bow is held in the left hand while the strings are plucked with the index finger. During longer passages, the bow will be put down while plucking the strings. Other techniques exist, such as plucking the strings with the left hand, but are very difficult and are only used in the most virtuosic repertoire.
Other string instruments can be played pizzicato, but are done so rarely. The strings of a piano can be plucked directly, and the guitar can be plucked as well.