Unit 3: Ostinato & Pedal Points
The Brain: Theory
An ostinato is a short melodic phrase or rhythmic pattern that repeats throughout a piece of music. A pedal point is a sustained tone, usually in the bass.
Visual Lab
Knowledge Status: Quiz
1. What is the primary characteristic of an Ostinato?
Persistent repetition.
Always changing volume.
2. What is the effect of a Pedal Point (a sustained bass note) under moving chords?
It builds harmonic tension and stability.
It silences the other instruments.