O
obbligato Italian term that means the musical line written is “fixed” and must be played exactly the way it is written, without any omissions or changes.
oboe A double-reed musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. It is known for its clear, penetrating voice and is pitched in the key of C. Used in symphony orchestras (often to tune the rest of the orchestra) and developed in the mid-seventeenth century from its predecessor, the shawm. Members of the oboe family include the English horn, bassoon, and contrabassoon.
ocarina Ancient flutelike instrument that goes back 12,000 years. It’s an oval-shaped instrument with up to 12 ...
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