ritornello

ri·tor·nel·lo

noun \ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lō, ˌri-ˌtȯr-\

plural ri·tor·nel·li\-ˈne-(ˌ)lē\ or ri·tor·nellos

Definition of RITORNELLO

1

a : a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition b : an instrumental interlude in early opera

2

: a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain

Origin of RITORNELLO

Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe — more at turn

First Known Use: 1675