* A melodic ostinato is a short musical phrase or melody that is repeated throughout a composition.
* The melody of an ostinato is usually simple and easy to remember.
* Ostinatos can be found in all types of music, from classical to pop.
* Some famous examples of melodic ostinatos include the bass line in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and the riff in Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."
Harmonic ostinato
* A harmonic ostinato is a repeating chord progression that is used as the accompaniment to a melody.
* Harmonic ostinatos are often used in dance music, as they provide a steady, rhythmic foundation for the dancers.
* Some famous examples of harmonic ostinatos include the chord progression in the Beatles' "Twist and Shout" and the riff in the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Comparison
| Feature | Melodic Ostinato | Harmonic Ostinato |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Melodic phrase | Chord progression |
| Function | Accompaniment | Accompaniment |
| Use | All types of music | Dance music |
| Examples | Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" | The Beatles' "Twist and Shout", the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" |