ostinato
UK[ˌɒstɪˈnɑːtəʊ]US[ˌɑːstɪˈnɑːtoʊ]
n
a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently throughout a piece or section of a piece.
Etymology
the word 'ostinato' entered english in the 18th century from italian, where it functions as an adjective meaning 'obstinate, stubborn, persistent'. the italian term itself derives from the latin verb 'obstinare', meaning 'to persist, stand firmly, or resolve'. this latin verb is formed from the intensive prefix 'ob-' combined with 'stinare', a variant of 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. the conceptual journey is direct: from the literal act of standing firm, to the figurative quality of stubbornness, and finally to the musical technique of a persistently repeating pattern. the term perfectly captures the unwavering, insistent character of the musical device it describes.
Analysis
this word is an italian loanword adopted directly into english musical terminology. it is not segmented into smaller meaningful parts within english.
Examples
the bass line features a driving ostinato that propels the entire movement.
the composer used a simple rhythmic ostinato to create a hypnotic effect.
the violins play a haunting melodic ostinato beneath the soloist's improvisation.