ostinato in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Ostinato in Music

Ostinato is an Italian word meaning "obstinate" or "persistent" and is used in music to describe a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently. It can refer to a repeated pattern in melody, bass, or rhythm. The key aspect of an ostinato is that it is a pattern that is repeated persistently in a piece of music.

Types of Ostinato1. **Rhythmic Ostinato**: A rhythmic ostinato is a persistently repeated rhythmic pattern. It is often played on untuned percussion instruments like snare drums or triangles. However, rhythmic ostinati can also be found in parts played on pitched instruments, where the note pitch stays the same or changes as the phrase is repeated. The key characteristic is that it is the rhythm that is persistently repeated.2. **Melodic Ostinato**: A melodic ostinato is a persistently repeated melodic figure. It can be a short, repetitive melodic phrase that is continuously repeated throughout a section of a work or the entire piece. Melodic ostinati can be found in various genres of music, including classical, jazz, rock, and traditional African music.

Significance of Ostinato in MusicOstinati play an important role in various forms of music. In classical music, composers like Igor Stravinsky are associated with the use of ostinato. Ostinati are also commonly used in film music to propel scenes that lack dynamic visual action. In jazz and rock music, ostinati are often referred to as riffs or vamps and are a favorite technique of contemporary jazz writers. They are also used in modal and Latin jazz, as well as traditional African music.

Difference Between Ostinato and RiffWhile the terms "ostinato" and "riff" are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between them. Ostinato refers to a repeated musical pattern that can be melodic, rhythmic, or chordal and is persistently repeated throughout a section or the entire piece of music. On the other hand, a riff is a short, catchy, and repeated melodic or rhythmic figure that is often associated with popular music genres like rock and blues. Riffs are typically used as a hook or a memorable musical phrase within a song.

In summary, ostinato in music refers to a persistently repeated musical phrase or rhythm. It can be rhythmic or melodic and is used in various genres of music to create a sense of persistence and repetition.