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ostinato

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun ostinato has 1 sense
  1. ostinato - a musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition
    --1 is a kind of
    phrase, musical phrase
    --1 has particulars: ground bass; riff

Definitions from the Web

Ostinato

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

An ostinato is a short musical phrase or pattern that is continuously repeated throughout a composition. It serves as a rhythmic or melodic foundation, often providing a repetitive and driving force to the music.

Senses

Sense 1:

A melodic phrase or pattern that is repeatedly played as a background in a musical piece.

Example:

In the famous piece "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel, the hypnotic rhythm of the snare drum serves as the ostinato throughout the entire composition.

Sense 2:

A repeated rhythmic pattern played by a specific instrument or group of instruments.

Example:

The bass guitar provides the rhythmic ostinato in many funk and disco songs.

Usages

Usage 1:

In classical music, composers often use an ostinato as a recurring theme to create a sense of continuity and unity in their compositions.

Example:

The famous "Dies Irae" melody, which is frequently used in classical compositions such as requiems, acts as an ostinato symbolizing death and judgment.

Usage 2:

In jazz and improvisational music, musicians may employ an ostinato to establish a groove or provide a foundation for improvisation.

Example:

During a jazz solo, the pianist might play a repeating chord progression as an ostinato, allowing other musicians to build their solos on top of it.

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