Definition

The musical equivalent of a chorus that won't leave you alone in Baroque compositions. An orchestral refrain that keeps popping back up between solo sections like that friend who always has one more thing to say. The recurring tutti passage that reminds everyone the full orchestra is still there, even when the soloist is showing off.

Example Usage

The ritornello appeared for the fifth time, and the audience realized Vivaldi really wanted them to remember this particular melodic phrase.

Source: Music theory and classical terminology

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