Meaning of "col arco" in music
In music, "col arco" is an Italian term that translates to "with the bow" in English. It is used as an instruction for string players to resume bowing after playing pizzicato (plucking the strings) or col legno (using the wooden backside of the bow).
The term "col arco" indicates that the performer should use the bow to produce sound on the instrument, as opposed to other techniques like plucking or striking the strings. It is commonly used in string music notation to indicate a change in playing technique.
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A directive to a violin (or a bowed string instrument) musician to perform the indicated passage with the bow as opposed to being played pizzicato (plucked). Also arco.
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