obbligato - indispensable.
octave - the pitch interval between a tone and the seventh tone above it in a diatonic scale, or between the letter name of a tone and its recurrence above or below. The vibration ratio of an octave is two to one: if the tone A is 440 vibrations per second, the octave above it is 880 and the octave below is 220.
opera - a drama set to music for soloists, chores and orchestra.
opus - work, composition.
oratorio - a nonliturgical, nontheatrical sacred work for soloists, chores and orchestra, something like an opera but performed without action, costumes or scenery.
orchestra - a large instrumental ensemble.
orchestration - the manner in which instruments are employed in an orchestral composition.
ossia - otherwise, or else.
ostinato - continuous, unceasing rhythmic and/or melodic pattern.
ottava - an octave, an eighth.
ottava alta - the octave higher.
ottava bassa - the octave lower.
overture - a instrumental prelude to an Opera, play or Oratoria.
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