Obligati

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A musical component that is required for the integrity of a piece; a legal term highlighting a necessary duty or responsibility; an enforced requirement that must be fulfilled within a scenario or framework
2. A necessary musical part that must be played as written ; a commitment or duty owed or undertaken ; a rule or condition that must be followed without exception
3. An essential musical line that cannot be omitted ; an obligation or responsibility one is bound to fulfill ; a compulsory condition imposed by law or custom

Etymology: "Obligati" is the plural of "obligato," the form used in English for the musical sense. The singular comes from Italian "obbligato," meaning "obligatory" or "bound," which traces back to Latin "obligatus," the past participle of "obligare," "to bind." English "obligate" and "obligation" share that Latin root. The musical part that cannot be skipped and the duty one owes both grow from the same idea of being tied to something.