Associations to the word «Obbligato»

Wiktionary

OBBLIGATO, adjective. (music) Designating part of a musical piece which is subordinate to the main melody but still essential; designating a crucial instrumental part. [from 18th c.]
OBBLIGATO, noun. (music) An obbligato section; a prominent countermelody, often written to be played or sung above the principal theme (in a higher pitch range). [from 19th c.]

Dictionary definition

OBBLIGATO, noun. A persistent but subordinate motif.
OBBLIGATO, noun. A part of the score that must be performed without change or omission.

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats