Arpeggiando

Arpeggiando is a musical instruction derived from the Italian verb arpeggiare (to play as an arpeggio). In notation, it directs performers to realize the notes of a chord in a rapid, upward (or specified) succession rather than simultaneously, producing a broken-chord effect commonly described as an arpeggio. The term is often written as arpeggiando above or beside the staff, or indicated by the standard arpeggio sign—an elongated vertical wavy line before the chord—when a rolling effect is required.

The exact execution depends on context and instrument: on keyboard instruments, arpeggios are often spread from the lowest to the highest note, with hand position allowing a continuous roll; on plucked strings (lute, guitar), arpeggiando may mean playing the chord tones in close succession, either as a rapid roll or as a sequence of notes along the fretboard; on stringed instruments, it may involve bowing or fingered arpeggios.

Historically, arpeggios have been used since the Baroque era, with the term arpeggiare appearing in Italian scores as a practical description of the technique. The gerund arpeggiando became a standard directive in Romantic and later repertoire to emphasize a singing, legato roll rather than equally spaced strikes.

Notes: The arpeggio sign indicates the roll’s starting point and direction may be specified in the music. The term contrasts with playing the chord simultaneously; arpeggiando communicates a continuous, melodic unfolding of the harmony.