Crossword clues for ostinato
ostinato
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1876, from Italian ostinato, literally "obstinate, persistent."
Wiktionary
n. (context music English) A piece of melody, a chord progression, or a bass figure that is repeated over and over as a musical accompaniment.
WordNet
n. a musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition
Wikipedia
In music, an ostinato (derived from Italian: stubborn, compare English, from Latin: 'obstinate') is a motif or phrase that persistently repeats in the same musical voice, usually at the same pitch. Well-known ostinato-based pieces include both classical compositions such as Ravel's Boléro and popular songs such as Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder's " I Feel Love" (1977) and The Verve's " Bitter Sweet Symphony" (1997).
The repeating idea may be a rhythmic pattern, part of a tune, or a complete melody in itself. Both ostinatos and ostinati are accepted English plural forms, the latter reflecting the word's Italian etymology. Strictly speaking, ostinati should have exact repetition, but in common usage, the term covers repetition with variation and development, such as the alteration of an ostinato line to fit changing harmonies or keys.
Within the context of film music, Claudia Gorbman defines an obstinate as a repeated melodic or rhythmic figure that propel scenes that lack dynamic visual action.
Ostinato plays an important part in improvised music (rock and jazz), in which it is often referred to as a riff or a vamp. A "favorite technique of contemporary jazz writers", ostinati are often used in modal and Latin jazz and traditional African music including Gnawa music.
Usage examples of "ostinato".
Balthasar would be paying more attention to the readings from Ostinato, keeping Sun-Treader half a step behind.
The end of the path loomed ahead of them, Ostinato framed against the teeth of the half-lowered bars.
Giulia e Clelia che non erano lontane e mettendo innanzi la condizione, che Attilio e lui le avrebbero seguite nel sotterraneo dove toccava loro come capi a scendere gli ultimi e non i primi, giunse a rimoverle dal loro ostinato diniego.
The jet engines on the suprafoils were revving up, filling the huge chamber with an ostinato thunder.
By this point, it is the music that is carrying the show: a pounding bass beat and a deep, threatening ostinato that tells everyone to keep watching, the best is yet to come.
Silence winced at the memory of Ostinato, keel shocked and dead, plunging into the ice on Arganthonios.
Unable to resist the seductive ostinatos, many of the assembled dignitaries were soon chanting and dancing in place.
Unable to resist the seductive ostinatos, many of the assembled dignitaries were soon chanting and dancing in place.