thorough bass

[ beys ]

noun

, Music.

1. figured bass.
2. continuo.

thorough bass

/ beɪs /

noun

1. 1. Also calledbasso continuocontinuo (esp during the baroque period) a bass part underlying a piece of concerted music. It is played on a keyboard instrument, usually supported by a cello, viola da gamba, etc See also figured bass
   2. ( as modifier )

      a thorough-bass part

Word History and Origins

Origin of thorough bass¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

He trained Wilhelmine in music, till thorough-bass, counterpoint, and the rest became to her an easy exercise.

From Project Gutenberg

Murer seems to know nothing of Neefe when he says that van den Eeden was Beethovens only teacher in thorough-bass.

From Project Gutenberg

So far as his duties permitted, Herr Neefe has also given him instruction in thorough-bass.

From Project Gutenberg

Murer, after speaking of Pfeiffer, continues as follows: Van den Eeden remained his only teacher in thorough-bass.

From Project Gutenberg

What counter-part could you expect to your music, blockhead, but a thorough-bass of bastinadoes?

From Project Gutenberg