Which term describes a repeating pattern in music?

Which term describes a repeating pattern in music?

• A. Phrase
• B. Presto
• C. Ostinato
• D. Polytonality

Answer: (C)

An ostinato is a pattern—melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic—that keeps repeating as the music goes on. It acts as a constant repeating anchor while other musical elements may change around it, like a bass line or drum groove that loops for a long stretch. This is what makes it the right term for a repeating pattern. A phrase is a complete musical idea that typically ends with a cadence. Presto is a tempo marking meaning very fast. Polytonality refers to using two or more keys at once, which isn’t about repetition.

An ostinato is a pattern—melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic—that keeps repeating as the music goes on. It acts as a constant repeating anchor while other musical elements may change around it, like a bass line or drum groove that loops for a long stretch. This is what makes it the right term for a repeating pattern. A phrase is a complete musical idea that typically ends with a cadence. Presto is a tempo marking meaning very fast. Polytonality refers to using two or more keys at once, which isn’t about repetition.