Ostinato

Definition

An ostinato is a musical phrase or rhythm that is persistently repeated throughout a piece or a section of music. This repetitive element can create a sense of stability and familiarity, enhancing the emotional impact of the score. In film composition, ostinatos often serve to build tension, evoke specific moods, or support the narrative by anchoring certain scenes with a consistent sonic motif.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ostinatos can be melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic, and they are frequently used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and film scores.
2. In film music, an ostinato might be used to represent a character's journey, theme, or specific emotion, providing continuity as the story progresses.
3. The repetition of an ostinato can heighten suspense and drama, making it a popular choice in action sequences or moments of tension in films.
4. Ostinatos are often layered with other musical elements to create richer textures and dynamics within a score.
5. Some famous examples of ostinatos in film music include the main theme from 'Jaws' by John Williams and the repetitive figures in 'Inception' by Hans Zimmer.

Review Questions

• How does an ostinato function in film music composition to enhance narrative and emotional impact?
  • An ostinato plays a vital role in film music by providing a recurring musical element that supports the emotional undertones of a scene. By repeating a specific phrase or rhythm, composers can create familiarity and stability that resonates with audiences. This technique allows for heightened tension during critical moments and can symbolize a character's journey or emotional state throughout the film.
• Discuss how the use of ostinatos can influence audience perception during key moments in a film.
  • Ostinatos have the power to shape audience perception by establishing thematic connections and emotional cues tied to specific scenes. For instance, when an ostinato accompanies a suspenseful moment, it reinforces feelings of anxiety or anticipation. This intentional use of repetition allows composers to manipulate the audience's response, guiding them toward specific reactions as the story unfolds.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using ostinatos in contrasting genres of film music and their impact on storytelling.
  • The effectiveness of ostinatos varies across genres but consistently serves to enhance storytelling through musical repetition. In horror films, for example, they may create unsettling tension that aligns with visual scares. Conversely, in romantic dramas, they might evoke nostalgia or longing. By evaluating their use across different genres, one can see how composers adapt this technique to fit narrative needs while still engaging audiences on an emotional level.

Related terms

Motif: A short musical idea or theme that is developed and varied throughout a composition, often associated with a particular character or emotion.

Harmony:

The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to produce a pleasing sound, which can enhance the effect of an ostinato.

Counterpoint: A technique in music composition that involves the interaction of two or more independent melodies, which can work alongside an ostinato for added complexity.