noun
- Plural of pizzicato; instances or passages in which strings are plucked rather than bowed.
Usage: music; technical
Examples
- The violinist performed several pizzicati in the opening movement.
- The composer marked the passage with pizzicati to create a lighter, more percussive effect.
- The string quartet used pizzicati to add rhythmic texture to the arrangement.
- During the fast section, the cellos played pizzicati while the violins sustained their notes.
- The conductor emphasized the pizzicati passages to give the piece a playful character.