What is a persistently repeated pattern in music called?

A persistently repeated pattern in music is called an ostinato. This term refers to a musical phrase or rhythm that is continually repeated throughout a piece or a section of music. Ostinatos can be found in various styles and genres, often serving as a foundation for the musical texture. They create a sense of stability and are frequently employed in both melodic and harmonic contexts.

For instance, an ostinato can be a rhythmic figure played by the percussion or a melodic line played by an instrument, which layers over other contrasting musical ideas. This technique contributes to the overall structure and cohesion of a composition, making it a vital aspect of musical development. The other terms present, while relevant in music theory, refer to different concepts—repetition refers broadly to any repeated passage, coda signifies a concluding section, and a sequence involves the repetition of a musical phrase at different pitch levels, rather than maintaining the same pitch.