GROUND BASS Meaning and
Definition
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Ground bass, also known as basso ostinato or simply a bass pattern, refers to a musical technique commonly found in baroque and classical music. It involves the repetition of a melodic or harmonic line in the lower register of a composition, typically in the bass line, while the upper voices or instruments create a changing, varied, or independent melodic material on top.
The ground bass serves as a solid foundation or "ground," providing a steady and repetitive framework upon which the entire composition is built. It is often a short and memorable musical motif, frequently consisting of short rhythmic patterns, melodic intervals, or chord progressions. This repeated bass line can persist throughout the entirety of the piece, creating a sense of continuity and unity.
Ground basses can be either simple or elaborate, depending on the composer's intentions. They can be used to create the basis for variations, or as a structural device to unify a longer composition. Ground basses are often associated with dance forms, such as the chaconne or passacaglia. They can also be employed in instrumental works, arias, or choral music.
Ground basses have been used by renowned composers such as Johann Pachelbel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Henry Purcell, and Antonio Vivaldi. Their utilization allows for a balance between repetition and variation, and the contrast between the unchanging bass line and the evolving melodies above can add depth, emotion, and intrigue to a musical composition.
Common Misspellings for GROUND BASS
- fround bass
- vround bass
- bround bass
- hround bass
- yround bass
- tround bass
- geound bass
- gdound bass
- gfound bass
- gtound bass
- g5ound bass
- g4ound bass
- griund bass
- grkund bass
- grlund bass
- grpund bass
- gr0und bass
- gr9und bass
- groynd bass
- grohnd bass
Etymology of GROUND BASS
The term "ground bass" has its origins in the 17th century and is derived from the combination of the words "ground" and "bass".
The term "ground" refers to a repeating harmonic progression or melodic line that acts as the foundation or base for a piece of music. This repeating pattern provides a stable and predictable structure for the composition.
The term "bass" refers to the lowest vocal or instrumental part in a musical ensemble, which typically provides the foundation for the harmony. In the context of "ground bass", the bass line remains constant or repeats while the melody and other musical elements above it may vary.
Together, "ground bass" refers to a technique or compositional device where a repeating bass line serves as the foundation or ground upon which the rest of the music is built. It allows for variations and elaborations in the upper voices while maintaining the stability and consistency provided by the repeating bass line.
Idioms with the word GROUND BASS
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ground bass
A ground bass is a repeating musical phrase or pattern in the bass line of a composition, providing a foundation over which the rest of the music is built.
Similar spelling words for GROUND BASS
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