ostinato
Italian composer
Definition
A persistently repeated rhythmic or melodic figure. Mompou uses ostinato bass patterns throughout his piano music — bell-like repeated notes and rocking accompaniments that create a hypnotic, ritualistic quality.
Interpretive Guidance
Keep ostinato figures even and quiet. They should create a background pulse or colour without ever drawing attention from the melodic line above. Use minimal touch and avoid crescendo within the repeated figure.