What is a 'bridge' in music composition?

A 'bridge' in music composition serves as a contrasting section that connects two different parts of a song. This section is designed to add variety and transition between the verses and the chorus or between other sections of the song. Typically, the bridge introduces new musical ideas or themes, providing a departure from the established patterns, making it an essential tool for maintaining listener interest and enhancing the overall structure of the piece.

The function of the bridge allows composers to create a sense of progression and development within the music. It often resolves tension built in preceding sections, leading smoothly back into a returning section of the song, often the chorus or a repeated verse. This structural role is why the definition of a bridge emphasizes its contrasting nature—it's specifically meant to break up the repetition of other parts while still supporting the song's overarching theme and flow.