Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun In music, an instrumental prelude, interlude, or refrain belonging to a vocal work, like a song, aria, or chorus; also, one of the tutti passages in an instrumental concerto. Also formerly called a symphony.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun A short return or repetition; a concluding symphony to an air, often consisting of the burden of the song.
- noun A short intermediate symphony, or instrumental passage, in the course of a vocal piece; an interlude.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun Alternative form of
ritornello .
Etymologies
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Examples
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The word _symphony_ was formerly used synonymously with _ritornelle_, both words being applied to instrumental interludes between parts of vocal works, but this usage has now entirely disappeared.
Music Notation and Terminology Karl Wilson Gehrkens 1928
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There is decoration in the ritornelle in E flat and one feels the absence of a compensating emotion, despite the display of contrapuntal skill.
Chopin : the Man and His Music James Huneker 1890
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A semi-chorus, which can also be sung by three solo voices ( "The Pain is over"), closes the sad scene, the ritornelle at the end being made still more effective by the harps, which give it a celestial character.
The Standard Oratorios Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers 1876
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At its close the chorus of welcome resumes, and the scene ends with a ritornelle of a plaintive kind, foreboding the sorrow which is fast approaching.
The Standard Oratorios Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers 1876
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A dialogue follows between Adriano and Rienzi, and then the various bands disappear singing the ritornelle of the hymn.
The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers 1876
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The old man continued to blow into his horn, concluding his ritornelle in three notes with a mute laugh that wrinkled the corners of his eyes and shook the green glands of his head-gear.
Tartarin On The Alps Alphonse Daudet 1868
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I am sure that the Muse of Khemadasa dwells in his simple refrains or ritornelle., two Post-modern French philosophers who wrote on the philosophy of music in their landmark philosophical project,
Kottu 2008
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In Sri Lankan music, the refrain or ritornelle works effectively fascinating the heart of the native within the context of a larger creation and complex musical procedures.
Kottu 2008
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Appendix E, p. 150, for an example.) [Transcriber's Note: Corrected misspelling "Ribbatua" in original.] _Ritornello, ritornelle_ -- a short instrumental prelude, interlude, or postlude, in a vocal composition, as _e. g._, in an operatic aria or chorus.
Music Notation and Terminology Karl Wilson Gehrkens 1928
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