ricercare

[ ree-cher-kahr-ey; Italian ree-cher-kah-re ]

noun

, plural ri·cer·ca·ri [ree-cher-, kahr, -ee, r, ee-che, r, -, kah, -, r, ee].

1. ricercar.

ricercare

/ ˌriːtʃəˈkɑːreɪ; ˈriːtʃəˌkɑː /

noun

1. an elaborate polyphonic composition making extensive use of contrapuntal imitation and usually very slow in tempo
2. an instructive composition to illustrate instrumental technique; étude

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricercare¹

< Italian, noun use of ricercare to seek; research

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricercare¹

Italian, literally: to seek again

Example Sentences

From there, variations surface with nods to Classical and Baroque forms: a dancerly minuet or rondo, a concerto grosso of angular strings, a wandering ricercare.

From New York Times

But this “Ricercare” performance had a suaveness of blended tone that seemed both organic and otherworldly.

From New York Times

A highlight on Monday night was Mr. Noisternig’s presentation of “Ricercare una melodia,” by the composer Jonathan Harvey.

From New York Times

She appeared with Tetley’s modern dance troupe and in “Ricercare,” a duet he choreographed for her and Scott Douglas at American Ballet Theater in 1966.

From New York Times

Each had a solo moment as well: Ms. Carrai gave an eloquent account of Domenico Gabrieli’s tuneful Ricercare No. 7, and Mr. Stein played Blow’s Prelude and Morlake Ground with admirable fluidity and transparency.

From New York Times