obligato

• Nom désignant une partie musicale ou un motif constant mais subordonné, qui doit être exécuté sans modification ni omission dans la partition.

A noun referring to a persistent but subordinate musical motif, or a part of a score that must be performed without change or omission.

1. Persistent subordinate motifC1formalart

   A musical motif or theme that is persistent but remains subordinate to the main melody.

   obligato (motif persistant subordonné)

   • The composer wove an obligato through the second movement.
   • A haunting obligato accompanied the soloist's aria.
   • The pianist played a delicate obligato beneath the violin melody.

   Synonymesobbligato

2. Mandatory musical partC1formalart

   A part of a musical score that must be performed exactly as written, without any changes or omissions.

   Partie obligée

   • The cello obligato was essential to the piece's structure.
   • The conductor insisted on the strict observance of the obligato.
   • In baroque music, the obligato part is often written for a specific instrument.

   Synonymesobbligato