A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Attack

ATTACK. A technical expression for decision and spirit in beginning a phrase or passage. An orchestra or performer is said to be 'wanting in attack' when there is no firmness and precision in their style of taking up the points of the music. This applies especially to quick tempo. It is equivalent to the coup d'archet, once so much exaggerated in the Paris orchestras, and of which Mozart makes such game (Letter, June 12, 1778).

The chef d'attaque in France is a sort of subconductor who marks the moment of entry for the chorus.