Building continuity with an ostinato

An ostinato persistently repeats a rhythmic or melodic pattern. It may appear in the bass, accompaniment or upper voices, giving the listener a stable reference while other musical layers change.

Repeat a short pattern without changing it for several cycles. Then add or remove another instrument while keeping the pattern intact. This reveals how orchestration can shape motion without new notes.

Example

Keep a four-note bass pattern while varying the melody above.

C G E G / C G E G

Try it

How could you increase intensity without changing the bass pattern?

Answer

By changing instrumental layers, register, dynamics or accompaniment.

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.

Building continuity with an ostinato

Example

Try it

Related topics

References