fundamental bass

American  

[beys] / beɪs /

noun

Music.

1. a bass consisting of the roots of the chords employed.

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Etymology

Origin of fundamental bass

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

His widely dispersed, artistic harmonies, with the boldest and most striking suspensions, for which the fundamental bass is essential, certainly require the frequent use of the pedal for fine harmonic effect.

From Piano and Song How to Teach, How to Learn, and How to Form a Judgment of Musical Performances by Nichols, Mary P.

This is, in fact, its fundamental bass, and the notes of it are heard even in the other kind of history.

From The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; The Art of Literature by Saunders, T. Bailey (Thomas Bailey)

This principle is competent to introduce wonderful order and logic into the doctrines of the fundamental bass.

From Popular scientific lectures by Mach, Ernst

But across this dollish mask, like a gay melody dancing over an unchanging fundamental bass, passed Anne's other inheritance—quick laughter, light ironic amusement, and the changing expressions of many moods.

From Crome Yellow by Huxley, Aldous

The philosophy of a period is thus the fundamental bass of its history.

From The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; The Art of Literature by Saunders, T. Bailey (Thomas Bailey)