ostinati

Ostinati (singular: ostinato) are musical patterns—melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic—that persist throughout a composition or a significant section of it. The term originates from the Italian word for “obstinate,” reflecting the repeated, unyielding nature of the figure. While an ostinato may be a short motif repeated exactly, composers often vary it subtly through ornamentation, transposition, or changes in dynamics, maintaining its recognizable identity while providing structural cohesion.

Rhythmic ostinati are common in popular and folk music, providing a steady pulse that underpins melodic material. Harmonic ostinati, such as a repeated chord progression, can establish a tonal framework; a notable example is the “ground bass” in Baroque pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Melodic ostinati involve a recurring sequence of notes, exemplified by the opening motif of Ravel’s “Boléro,” which persists unchanged while orchestration and dynamics evolve.

Historically, ostinati have appeared across a wide range of cultures. In Western classical music, they were employed in the Renaissance and Baroque eras, while the 20th century saw expanded uses in minimalist works by composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass, who often layered multiple ostinati to create shifting textures. In non‑Western traditions, repeated patterns are integral to gamelan music of Indonesia and certain African drumming styles.

Ostinati serve several functions: they reinforce tonal centers, create expectation, and generate momentum. Their simplicity allows composers to explore variation and development within a stable backdrop, making them a versatile tool in both tonal and contemporary idioms.