Ostinatos are to classical music what riffs are to popular music.
There is a great explanation of the definition of ostinato at Wikipedia.
In short:-
In music, an ostinato (derived from Italian: “stubborn”, compare English: obstinate) is a motif or phrase which is persistently repeated at the same pitch. The repeating idea may be a rhythmic pattern, part of a tune, or a complete melody.[1] Both “ostinatos” and “ostinati” are accepted English plural forms.
Here are some simple steps to get the improvisation started at your piano:
1. Create an ostinato or riff on the left hand
Once the riff is created, the basic element of a song is alredy done. We have the tempo, the rhythm, the catchy motif, the key etc .. you name it. It is easy to start with C major, play chord C for 4 bars and then Chord F for 4 bars repetitively. Refer the video.
2. Improvise melody on the right hand
Just simply play what we hear in our mind. Hitting any of the white key should be fine.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQzigNXsom0]Reference :
Left-Hand Ostinato Patterns and Why They’re Perfect for Piano Improvisation!
3 Comments
Crulle
July 29, 2009Great help! Thanks a LOT!
😀
Ozzu
July 29, 2009This helped me out
Keep on with your skillz!
Cheers mate!
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