obligato
1
9.9
An important musical part that plays with the main melody exactly as written
- noun
- /əˈblɪɡɑːtoʊ/
- Specialized
:
obligato
- The obligato section in the symphony added depth and richness to the overall sound.
Examples
-
The composer wrote an obligato for the flute, ensuring it would enhance the main melody.
-
A very interesting effect, obligato on an apple.
-
In the performance, the violin provided the obligato that beautifully complemented the singer's voice.
Synonyms
accompaniment
vsobligato
10
5.1
A musical part that supports a singer or solo instrument
is more specific and essential, usually meant to be played exactly as written
1
9.9
An essential musical part that players must play as written to support the main tune
has identical meaning but is written with one b instead of two
How Essential
melodic theme
1
5.8
- Specialized
1
5.8
obligato
1
9.9
- Specialized
1
9.9
accompaniment
10
5.1
10
5.1
embellishment
15
5.8
15
5.8
Surface Forms
Etymology
Obligato comes from Italian obbligato and from the Latin root obligare meaning 'to bind', the same root as the English word obligation. In music an obligato is a part that is 'bound' to the main melody, an important line that must be played exactly as written.