ritornello
noun
ri·tor·nel·lo ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lō 
ˌri-ˌtȯr-
plural ritornelli ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lē
ˌri-ˌtȯr-
or ritornellos 1
a
: a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition
b
: an instrumental interlude in early opera
2
: a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web An orchestral ritornello serves as a bridge between each variation. 
Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, 30 June 2017
Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, 30 June 2017 Word History
Etymology
Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe — more at turn entry 1
First Known Use
1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a