An ostinato is a short musical phrase, either rhythmic or melodic, that repeats continuously throughout a musical composition or in some parts. Common examples include the repetitive snare drum pattern in Ravel's Bolero and a short repeating melody. Ostinatos can be played by different instruments and help give musical works their distinctive features and structure.

1. OSTINATO
SPA Grade 8 – Quarter 1_LESSON 1

3. TOPIC 1 OSTINATO
An ostinato is any melodic or rhythmic phrase that is usually short and repeated continuously in a
musical piece. The plural form of its Italian term is ostinati or ostinatos. These repeated patterns may be
played by various instruments or percussion instruments. It can be performed all throughout the piece
or just in some parts. Rhythmic Ostinato A famous example of ostinato that can be heard in the whole
musical piece is from Maurice Ravel’s Bolero. One of its distinct features is the ostinato played by the
snare drum notated below..

4. ACTIVITY 1

5. Melodic Ostinato
A short repeating melody is an example of melodic ostinato. It can be performed through singing or playing
instruments. Just like the rhythmic ostinato, it can be heard in some parts of a song or musical piece or all
throughout the composition.

6. REFERENCE
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE
AND THE ARTS
Learning Resource SPA Music 8