I just learned a new word! Do you like learning new stuff?

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The "dj" on my classical music radio station made reference to the use of "ostinato" in the previous piece. I had a vague sense that ostinato meant something "in the background," but I was not sure of its literal meaning. It turns out that "ostinato," in music, can refer to any rhythmic or melodic pattern that repeats throughout a piece. It can be present continuously through the the whole piece, or it can be a repeating theme or motif that recurs on and off throughout the piece. It generally is in the "background",as my tired old brain had thought. A good example of the former would be Pachelbel's Canon in D major. That bass line (probably playing in your head now) is present through the whole piece. Another example would be Ravel's Bolero A good example of the latter would be Beethoven's 5th symphony. The famous "da da da daaaah" rhythm is used throughout the piece, often using different notes from those the original "riff." Speaking of riffs, yes, rock 'n rollers use ostinato as well. Think of the cool intro riff that begins Guns 'n Rpses's Sweet child of Mine. Or Iron Butterfly's Inagaddadavita (Heh. I'll correct the spelling later). Or the many blues progression out there. Do you like learning new words? Do you enjoy learning new stuff in genera? Wheee!