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pedal point

noun

, Music.
  1. a tone sustained by one part, usually the bass, while other parts progress without reference to it.
  2. a passage containing it.


pedal point

/ ˈpɛdəl /

noun

  1. music a sustained bass note, over which the other parts move bringing about changing harmonies Often shortened topedal
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of pedal point1

First recorded in 1875–80
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Example Sentences

In the middle section you have done something new and good; the alternating chords above the pedal-point, rather la Russlan.

The free fantasy is full of storm and stress, with a fierce pedal-point on the trilled leading-tone.

Angelus bells in pedal-point continue through a period of hope and prayer; but remorse again takes sway.

"The Shepherd's Lament" is one of his best lyrics, with a strange accompaniment containing an inverted pedal-point in octaves.

A dominant pedal-point of fifty-eight measures, in the last movement, is worth mentioning.

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