Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun See bass counter, under bass.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word counter-bass.

Examples

  • He never forgot a certain tune, because one Advent Sunday he heard it from his bed being sung before daybreak on the steps of the cathedral; nor an old lame carpenter who played the counter-bass, nor a fair little abbe who played the violin in the choir [54].

    Rousseau Morley, John 1905

  • Jesus, and then returns into Paradise: and note that the words of God the Father be very audibly pronounced and well sounded in three voices, that is to say, a treble, a counter-treble and a counter-bass, all in tune; and in this way must the following lines be repeated:

    Some Forerunners of Italian Opera 1896

  • They provide themselves with the necessary pieces of music -- with two fiddles, and with an alto and a counter-bass.

    The Talking Beasts Various 1896

  • It is as yet a mere sketch in manuscript, and to copy it would be a difficult task even for the clever and practised Paraquin [counter-bass in the Electoral orchestra].

    Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Vol. 1 of 2 Wallace, Lady 1866

  • It is as yet a mere sketch in manuscript, and to copy it would be a difficult task even for the clever and practised Paraquin [counter-bass in the Electoral orchestra].

    Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 1 Ludwig van Beethoven 1798

  • Violin, counter-bass, flutes and harpsichord, then soaring vocals used as an instrument to colour some melodic lines ...

    Latest reviews @ Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website 2010

  • Violin, counter-bass, flutes and harpsichord, then soaring vocals used as an instrument to colour some melodic lines ...

    Latest reviews @ Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website 2010

  • Violin, counter-bass, flutes and harpsichord, then soaring vocals used as an instrument to colour some melodic lines ...

    Latest reviews @ Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website 2010

  • "The horse plows and strains its every muscle like the strings on a counter-bass; suddenly the gad-fly descends upon his back and begins to tickle him and to buzz, and the poor horse frets and waves his tail.

    Personal Recollections of Anton Pavlovitch Chekhov 1905

  • Sunday he heard it from his bed being sung before daybreak on the steps of the cathedral; nor an old lame carpenter who played the counter-bass, nor a fair little abbé who played the violin in the choir. [

    Rousseau (Volume 1 and 2) John Morley 1880

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.