The ostinato
Example: The ostinato in the symphony created a mesmerizing rhythmic pattern.
Definition
The ostinato is a repeated musical phrase or rhythm that persists throughout a piece or section, creating a continuous and hypnotic effect. It often serves as a foundation for variations or improvisations layered above it.
Etymology
The term "ostinato" comes from the Italian word meaning 'obstinate' or 'stubborn', reflecting the persistent and unchanging nature of the repeated pattern in music. Did you know? This musical technique has been used since the Baroque era to build intensity and structure.
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"The ostinato" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (C2) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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