Definitions for obbligatoˌɒb lɪˈgɑ toʊ; -ti
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
ob•bli•ga•toˌɒb lɪˈgɑ toʊ; -ti(adj.; n.)(pl.)-tos, -ti
(adj.)(used as a musical direction) obligatory; not to be omitted.
Category: Music and Dance
(n.)a musical line performed by a single instrument in accompaniment to a solo part.
Category: Music and Dance
a continuing background motif.
Category: Music and Dance
Origin of obbligato:
1715–25; < It: obliged
Princeton's WordNet
obbligato, obligato(noun)
a persistent but subordinate motif
obbligato, obligato(noun)
a part of the score that must be performed without change or omission
Wiktionary
obbligato(Noun)
A part of the score that must be played as written; a required part.
obbligato(Noun)
An elaborate or flowery countermelody, often written to be played or sung above the principal theme (in a higher pitch range). Frequently includes a repetitive motif.
John Philip Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever includes a famous piccolo obbligato.
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