aldosì

Aldosì is an Italian musical term that translates to "also" in English. It is used to indicate that a melody or phrase is to be repeated, usually from the beginning of its occurrence in the composition. The aldosì often serves as a unifying element, bringing repetition and stability to the musical structure.

In Baroque music, the aldosì is commonly found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. It originally served to emphasize a particular theme or motif, and often featured elaborate ornamentation and virtuosic passages. Over time, the term took on a different meaning, referring to a repetition of a musical phrase at the repeat, often with slight modifications.

The aldosì can appear in various forms, including a full repetition, a half repetition, or a fragmentary repetition. In some cases, the aldosì may be written out in full, while in others, it may be implied through the structure of the music. The use of the aldosì allows composers to create a sense of drama and tension, as well as to emphasize certain themes or motifs.

Despite its widespread use in Baroque music, the term aldosì fell out of favor in the Classical and Romantic periods. Nevertheless, it continues to be used in certain contexts, particularly in historical performance practice and period-specific compositions. As a result, the aldosì remains an important element of early music, offering insight into the creative practices and musical principles of composers from the past.