What is a Ritornello in Music?

Ritornello (also known as ritornel or refrain) is a musical term that refers to a recurring phrase or section of music that is repeated throughout a composition. The term originated in the Middle Ages and was used to describe a short melodic phrase that was repeated in different voices or instruments during a polyphonic piece.

In modern music, the term "ritornello" is often used to describe a chorus or refrain that is repeated throughout a song. This can be a catchy melody or phrase that is repeated after each verse, or it can be a longer section of music that is repeated multiple times throughout the song. The use of ritornellos in popular music has been particularly prevalent in genres such as pop and rock, where catchy hooks and repetitive phrases are commonplace.

One example of a ritornello in popular music is the chorus of the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. The chorus, which features the iconic lyrics "Galileo Figaro magnifico," is repeated multiple times throughout the song, and serves as a refrain that ties the different sections of the song together. Other examples of ritornellos can be found in songs such as "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.

Overall, the use of ritornellos in music has been an important element of many popular songs throughout history, and continues to be a key element of modern music production.