In music, a direction indicating that a stringed instrument should be played with the bow (opposite of pizzicato).
From Italian arco meaning 'bow' (the curved weapon), from Latin arcus meaning 'bow, arch.' In musical notation, it instructs string players to return to bowed playing after plucking strings.
Arco might seem like a simple instruction, but it can dramatically transform a piece's character—the transition from pizzicato's percussive plucks to arco's flowing sustain often creates some of classical music's most magical moments. Many composers use this contrast deliberately for emotional effect.
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