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Obbligato Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obbligato

[ษ™bหˆlษชษกษ™toสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical term

Obbligato refers to a musical term denoting a part that is indispensable and must be played or sung. It is often a prominent melody that is integral to the composition, contrasting with optional musical parts that can be omitted without altering the piece significantly.

Synonyms

essential part, mandatory melody.

Examples of usage

  • The flute played an obbligato that enhanced the overall sound.
  • In the concerto, the obbligato line supported the main melody beautifully.
  • The aria featured a violin obbligato that added depth to the performance.

Translations

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Origin of 'obbligato'

The term 'obbligato' originates from the Italian word meaning 'obligatory' or 'binding'. In a musical context, it emerged in the Baroque period, when composers began to write intricate scores that required specific instruments to play important lines. Its use became more pronounced in the 17th and 18th centuries, as the role of orchestras expanded and composers sought to showcase the skills of individual musicians. Over time, the concept of obbligato evolved, involving not just the mere necessity of the line, but also its significance in contributing to the overall texture and emotion of the piece. Today, 'obbligato' is widely used in classical music and is taught in music theory as a fundamental aspect of composition.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,880, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.