Hi Swingbabymix,

This repeated musical phrase being played over and over is called an ostinato. The word translates from Italian as 'obstinate,' 'stubborn,' or 'persistant.'


It can occur in any instrument or any voice. One of the most famous ostinatos of all time is the bassline in Pachebel's Cannon in D.


Ravel also used ostinatos very cleverly when he wrote and arranged "Bolero."


Regards,
--Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025