Ostinato

Definition

An ostinato is a musical phrase or rhythm that is persistently repeated throughout a composition, often serving as a foundation for melodies and harmonies. This technique creates a sense of continuity and can enhance the emotional impact of the music. In the context of late Romantic music, ostinato often interacts with themes of exoticism and orientalism, grounding complex musical ideas within a recognizable framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ostinatos can be found in various genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music, often as a way to establish a strong rhythmic foundation.
2. In late Romantic music, composers like Rimsky-Korsakov used ostinato to evoke exotic atmospheres, linking musical repetition with cultural themes.
3. The use of ostinato often reflects the influence of non-Western music, where repetitive patterns are common and serve specific cultural purposes.
4. Ostinatos can be melodic or rhythmic, sometimes intertwining with other musical elements to create rich textures.
5. This technique allows composers to explore variations on the ostinato while keeping a stable point of reference, fostering both creativity and familiarity.

Review Questions

• How does the use of ostinato contribute to the overall structure and emotional impact of late Romantic compositions?
  • Ostinato provides a stable framework around which composers can build intricate melodies and harmonies, creating tension and release. By repeating a phrase or rhythm consistently, it allows listeners to become emotionally invested as they anticipate variations or developments. This technique is especially effective in evoking specific feelings associated with themes like exoticism and orientalism, as it grounds complex musical ideas in something familiar.
• Discuss how ostinato might be utilized to represent cultural elements in late Romantic music.
  • Composers often used ostinato to evoke particular cultural identities or emotions associated with exotic locations or traditions. For example, Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Scheherazade' employs ostinatos that mimic Eastern musical scales or rhythms, giving listeners a sense of place. This repetition not only reinforces the thematic content but also allows the composer to explore and expand on these cultural ideas throughout the piece.
• Evaluate the role of ostinato in shaping musical narratives within late Romantic works that reflect on themes of exoticism and orientalism.
  • In late Romantic music, ostinatos play a crucial role in developing musical narratives that reflect exoticism and orientalism by providing a structural element that supports thematic exploration. Composers like Debussy and Rimsky-Korsakov skillfully used ostinatos to weave together elements from Western and non-Western traditions, allowing for a rich tapestry of sound that tells stories beyond their European context. This blending creates a dialogue between different cultures, illustrating how repeated motifs can serve as bridges between distinct musical worlds.

Related terms

Riff: A short, catchy repeated phrase in music, typically used in jazz and popular music to establish a groove.

Theme and Variations:

A musical form where a theme is stated and then altered in various ways, providing a contrast to the repeated material.

Polyrhythm: The simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms, which can create tension and complexity within music.