Pizzicato

Pizzicato is derived from Italian which means to "pinch" or "nip" and is a directive to a bowed string instrument performer that the indicated notes are to be plucked with the fingers rather than bowed. The abbreviation for this term is pizz. The directive "arco" is inserted to cancel a pizzicato instruction. Pizzicato notes on the violin, viola and cello are normally plucked with the index finger of the right hand. The great violinist Paganini introduced the technique of left-hand pizzicato, notably in one of the variations of his 24th caprice, where it produces a very special effect.<br>