Obbligato: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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• 35877 plash
• 35878 ungraciously
• 35879 voluptuary
• 35880 obbligato
• 35881 tumbledown
• 35882 gaudily
• 35883 affixation
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