Meaning of Obbligato in Music
In Western classical music, **obbligato** refers to a musical line or instrumental part that is essential and indispensable in a performance. It is a term used to describe a subordinate instrumental part that is crucial to the composition. The opposite of obbligato is ad libitum, which means the part is optional or can be omitted. The term obbligato is derived from the Italian word "obbligare," meaning "to oblige".
In the context of an aria, for example, an obbligato part could be a trumpet obbligato accompanying the vocal melody. The obbligato part is not the main melody but is an essential and prominent element that enhances the overall musical experience.
The term obbligato can also be used as a musical direction, indicating that a specific part or accompaniment is obligatory or indispensable and should not be omitted.
Overall, obbligato is a term used in music to describe an essential and subordinate instrumental part that is integral to a composition's performance
An accompanying, yet very important part of the music that that should not be omitted, such as a countermelody.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [English] obligatory
- [French] obligé
- [French] obligatoire
- [German] bindend
- [German] obligat
- [German] verpflichtend
- [Italian] obbligatorio
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