ˌrid.ərˈne(ˌ)lō, ˌriˌtȯrˈn- noun
or ri·tor·nelle or ri·tor·nel | ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷|nel
( plural ritornelli or ritornellos or ritornelles or ritornels )
Etymology: Italian ritornello, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- (from Latin re- ) + tornare to turn, return, from Latin, to turn in a lathe — more at turn
1.
a. : a short instrumental passage in a vocal musical composition often consisting of a burden or refrain
b. : an instrumental interlude between the parts of an opera
2. : a tutti passage in a concerto
3. : the last two lines of a 14th century madrigal serving as a concluding passage or section