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Webster 1913 Edition
Ritornello
{
Ritˊor-nelle′
, ‖Riˊtor-nel′lo
, }Noun.
[It.
ritornello
, dim. of ritorno
return, fr. ritornare
to return: cf. F. ritournelle
.] (Mus.)
(a)
A short return or repetition; a concluding symphony to an air, often consisting of the burden of the song.
(a)
A short intermediate symphony, or instrumental passage, in the course of a vocal piece; an interlude.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ritornello
RITORNEL'LO
,Noun.
In music, a repeat; the burden of a song, or the repetition of a verse or strain.