Ostinato (Noun)
Meaning
A musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer used an ostinato pattern in the bass line to create a sense of tension throughout the piece.
- The ostinato figure in the violin part was repeated over 20 times, creating a hypnotic effect on the listener.
- The minimalist composer relied heavily on ostinato patterns to build complex textures in his music.
- The ostinato theme in the piano accompaniment provided a steady foundation for the singer's improvisations.
- The use of ostinato in the percussion section added a driving rhythmic energy to the entire ensemble.