How Do You Spell RITORNELLO?

Pronunciation: [ɹˌɪtɔːnˈɛlə͡ʊ] (IPA)

Ritornello (pronounced ri-tawr-nel-oh) is an Italian word commonly used in music. It refers to a recurring instrumental theme that is played between sung verses in a song. The word is spelled with two "r"s, an "i," two "t"s, an "o," an "n," an "e," an "l," and another "o" at the end. The phonetic transcription of this word can help English speakers pronounce it correctly, as the emphasis is on the second syllable and the final "o" is pronounced as "oh."

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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RITORNELLO Meaning and Definition

  1. Ritornello is a musical term derived from the Italian language, commonly used in the Baroque period of music composition. It refers to a recurring musical section or theme that appears multiple times within a larger composition. Often used in instrumental music, especially concertos, sonatas, and symphonies, the ritornello serves as a structural and organizing element, creating coherence and unity within the composition.

    Typically, a ritornello is characterized by its immediate and recognizable melody or motifs and it is usually played by the full ensemble or orchestra. It serves as a contrast to the solo or more complex sections of the composition. In this sense, the ritornello acts as a sort of refrain, returning at regular intervals throughout the piece. It establishes a sense of familiarity, while also providing a foundation for variation and development in the music.

    The term ritornello can also be applied to vocal music, where it refers to a recurring section or chorus within a song or opera. Similar to its instrumental usage, the ritornello in vocal music creates structure and unity, often serving as a common thread that ties together different sections of the piece.

    Overall, the ritornello plays a crucial role in organizing and enhancing the musical form, providing a recognizable and recurring element that aids in the composition's coherence and aesthetics.

  2. In music, a short introductory or concluding symphony to an air; a repeat or burden of an air or song.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RITORNELLO

Etymology of RITORNELLO

The word "ritornello" has its origins in Italian. It comes from the combination of two Italian words: "ritorno" meaning "return" or "refrain", and "collo" meaning "neck".

In its original musical context, the word "ritornello" referred to a recurring musical section or refrain that comes back multiple times within a piece of music, creating a sense of structure and repetition. The term was commonly used in Baroque music, particularly in concertos, where it described the alternation between solo sections and orchestral tutti sections.

Over time, the meaning of "ritornello" expanded to encompass various other forms of musical repetition or recurring themes within a composition. Today, it is still used in music theory and analysis to describe similar structural devices.

Plural form of RITORNELLO is RITORNELLI OR RITORNELLOS

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Correct spelling for Ritornello
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