arco
An instruction to return to bowing after a pizzicato passage.
In Depth
In some contemporary scores, composers write arco with an exclamation mark (arco!) to indicate the switch should be dramatic and immediate.
Related Terms
More in Articulation
Browse allA stress or emphasis placed on a particular note.
A very short grace note played as quickly as possible before the main note.
A very short ornamental note played as quickly as possible before the main note, taking no perceptible time
A grace note that takes time from the following main note, creating a brief dissonance.
An ornamental note that falls on the beat, creating a dissonance that resolves by step to the main note
Symbols placed above or below notes to indicate how they should be attacked, sustained, and released
Separate bow strokes for each note, but without the shortness of staccato.
A pause sign indicating a note or rest should be held beyond its normal value.