noun
- a recurring instrumental passage in a baroque concerto or aria
- a short instrumental interlude in a vocal work
Usage: music
Usage: music
Examples
- The violin concerto featured a beautiful ritornello that returned between solo passages.
- Bach’s aria included a ritornello played by the orchestra.
- The ritornello provided a unifying element throughout the movement.
- Students analyzed how the composer varied the ritornello in each appearance.
- The opening ritornello established the main musical theme.
- Between vocal sections, the ritornello gave the singer time to rest.