What is an ostinato?

An ostinato is characterized as a repeating accompaniment pattern that plays a critical role in various musical compositions. This repeated phrase can occur in any part of a piece—melodically, harmonically, or rhythmically—and often serves as a foundational element that supports other musical ideas and themes. Its persistence creates a sense of continuity and can drive the music forward, allowing for variation and exploration of new melodic lines or harmonies over the top of it. This technique enriches the texture of the music and enhances the listener's experience by creating a familiar backdrop for the unfolding musical narrative.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of an ostinato. Unique orchestration techniques focus on how instruments are combined and arranged rather than repetition. Musical improvisation involves spontaneous creation, which is quite different from the structured repetition that defines an ostinato. Lastly, a style of folk music refers to specific genres or traditions rather than a compositional technique.