In an ostinato, a musical pattern returns persistently while harmony, timbre, dynamics, and texture continue to change around it. The Term in Brief Ostinato Italian: ostinato Core Meaning A rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic pattern that is persistently repeated. Main Types Rhythmic, melodic, melodic-rhythmic, harmonic, and basso ostinato . Length From a short figure to a pattern extending across several measures. Function Stability, cohesion, forward motion, tension, or a foundation for variation. Related Terms Ground bass , passacaglia, chaconne, pedal point, riff, vamp, and loop. What Is an Ostinato? The Italian word ostinato means “obstinate” or “stubbornly persistent.” In music, it describe...