Which term literally translates to 'with the wood' and describes a wood-bow technique?

Which term literally translates to 'with the wood' and describes a wood-bow technique?

• A. Col legno
• B. Loure
• C. Arco
• D. Pizzicato

Answer: (A)

Using the wood of the bow on the strings is indicated by col legno, meaning "with the wood." This describes a technique where the wood part of the bow, not the hair, is used against the strings to produce a sharp, percussive sound. It’s a distinctive effect often used for emphasis or eerie color in modern repertoire. In contrast, arco refers to playing with the bow hair for a normal, sustained tone; pizzicato means plucking the strings with the fingers; loure describes a smooth, slightly detached bowing style.

Using the wood of the bow on the strings is indicated by col legno, meaning "with the wood." This describes a technique where the wood part of the bow, not the hair, is used against the strings to produce a sharp, percussive sound. It’s a distinctive effect often used for emphasis or eerie color in modern repertoire. In contrast, arco refers to playing with the bow hair for a normal, sustained tone; pizzicato means plucking the strings with the fingers; loure describes a smooth, slightly detached bowing style.