A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Passaggio

by J. A. Fuller-Maitland

PASSAGGIO, 'passage.' This word is used in two senses: (1) of the passing from one key to another; hence used for all modulations: (2) of bravura ornaments introduced, either in vocal or instrumental music, whether indicated by the composer or not, in order to show off the skill of the performer. Bach uses Passaggio for a 'flourish' at the beginning of the Prelude to the Suite in G minor marked No. 8 in Peters's edition.

[ J. A. F. M. ]