Bartók Béla Viktor János ： Seven pieces from “Mikrokosmos” Ostinato BB 120 Sz 108

“Ostinato” is a miniature driven by the repeated motion of a recurring rhythmic pattern. Changes in movement and accent are layered over this pattern, creating a sense of tension and release within its compact span. A key point for listening is to grasp the structure as a whole and notice the changes in register and expression that emerge within the repetitions. In performance, it is important to maintain a steady flow of the beat while retaining enough flexibility to avoid sounding mechanical, and to distinguish clearly between the figure carrying the ostinato and the movement of the upper voice.