Ground; Ground bass
A short melodic phrase (normally four to eight
measures) that is repeated over and over again as
a bass line, with varying music for the upper parts. The resulting
composition is also called a "ground." The ground is a characteristic
form of the Baroque period and was cultivated especially in England,
frequently with improvisation of the upper parts.
The ground belongs to the general category of continuous variations.
In particular, passacaglia
and chaconne can be considered
grounds.
(see also Ostinato)