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Obligato for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ,ɑblə'ɡɑtoʊ

What does Obligato really mean?

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Obligato is a musical term that is used to describe a specific style of playing an instrument in a musical composition. When we say an instrument is playing "obligato," it means that it is performing a very important and prominent role in the piece. It's like when you are playing a game and you have a crucial role to play that can greatly affect the outcome of the game. In a similar way, when an instrument is playing in an obligato style, it is playing a role that is vital to the overall sound and structure of the music.

Think about it this way - when you listen to a song, there are usually some parts that stand out more than others. It could be the catchy melody that you can hum along to, or maybe it's the powerful voice of the singer. In the same way, when an instrument is playing obligato, it becomes the star of the show. It shines brightly and grabs your attention because it has an important role to play in the music.

An obligato instrument might be playing a beautiful and memorable melody that you just can't get out of your head. It might be playing a complex and challenging part that demonstrates the musician's skill. Or it might be playing a counterpoint to the main melody, adding layers of harmony and depth to the music.

In addition to being an important and prominent role, obligato can also refer to a specific type of music or a specific section within a musical composition. The composer might indicate in the sheet music that a certain instrument should play obligato for a particular part of the piece.

So, in a nutshell, when we say an instrument is playing "obligato," it means that it is performing a crucial and standout role in the music. It's like being the star of the show, where your part is essential and greatly impacts the overall sound. Just like in a game, when you have an important role to play, the instrument playing obligato is the key player in the music, grabbing our attention and adding depth and beauty to the composition.


Revised and Fact checked by Mary Johnson on 2023-10-28 00:34:28

Obligato In a sentece

Learn how to use Obligato inside a sentece

  • When playing the violin, the musician may use obligato to mean that the melody is the most important part of the music.
  • In a band, the lead singer's voice can be considered obligato because it stands out and drives the song.
  • During a conversation, it is obligato to listen carefully and respectfully to what the other person is saying.
  • In a soccer team, the goalkeeper has an obligato role to protect the goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring.
  • When giving a presentation, it is obligato to speak clearly and confidently so that the audience can understand the information.

Obligato Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Obligato Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.