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ground bass
ground bass melodic phrase used repeatedly as a bass line. In its earlier form, developed in the 13th and 14th cent., the ground or basso ostinato [Ital.=obstinate] never varied in harmonization or pitch. The tenor, or pes, of Sumer Is Icumen In is such a ground. Another sort was developed during the 17th cent. by Purcell and his contemporaries. This ground was not rigid as to pitch, sometimes moving from bass to soprano. It was composed with varying melodies and harmonies in the upper parts. The result was often a series of variations as in the baroque chaconne and passacaglia . The device often has great dramatic effect. J. S. Bach and Handel made remarkable use of it. |
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"ground bass." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "ground bass." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-groundba.html "ground bass." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-groundba.html |
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ground bass
ground bass (It. basso ostinato, ‘obstinate bass’). Short thematic motif in bass which is constantly repeated with changing harmonies while upper parts proceed and vary. Originated in cantus firmus of choral mus. and became popular in 17th cent., particularly in Eng., as a ground for variations in str. mus. Hence the no. of ‘divisions on a ground’. Examples exist by Byrd, Purcell, Frescobaldi, Carissimi, and Cavalli. See chaconne.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "ground bass." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "ground bass." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-groundbass.html MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "ground bass." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-groundbass.html |
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