What term describes a short musical motif that repeats, often with slight variation?

• A. Ritornello
• B. Ostinato
• C. Theme and variations
• D. Imperfect cadence

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is a repeating, compact musical idea that keeps coming back. An ostinato is exactly that—a short motif or figure that returns again and again, often with small changes in rhythm, pitch, or how it’s voiced, while the core idea stays recognizable. This creates a persistent, driving feel and serves as a unifying thread through a section or entire piece.

Ritornello is related to repetition, particularly in Baroque concertos, where a main theme keeps returning between contrasting sections, but it’s more about a formal structure than a single short motif that repeats with variation. Theme and variations involves taking a complete theme and altering it in successive presentations, rather than a tiny motif repeatedly cycling. An imperfect cadence is just a harmonic ending, not about repetition of a musical idea.