BASS, the lowest in the four parts of music: of uncertain etymology; whether from the Greek word bass, a foundation; or from the Italian adjective basso, signifying "low." Of all the parts it is the most important, and it is upon this that the chords proper to constitute a particular harmony are determined. Hence the maxim among musicians, that when the bass is properly formed, the harmony can scarcely be bad.
Basses are of different kinds. Of which in their order.
Thorough-Bass is the harmony made by the bass-viol, or theorbos, continuing to play both while the voices sing and the other instruments perform their parts, and also filling up the intervals when any of the other parts stop. It is played by figures marked over the notes, on the organ, spinet, harpsichord, &c. and
frequently simply and without figures on the bass-viol and bassoon.
Counter Bass is a second or double bass, where there are several in the same concert.
Bass-Viol, a musical instrument of the like form with that of a violin, but much larger. It is struck with a bow, as that is; has the same number of strings; and has eight stops, which are subdivided into semi-stops: Its sound is grave, and has a much nobler effect in a concert than that of the violin.