basso
1
8.0
- noun
- /ˈbæsoʊ/
- Specialized
:
bajo
- The choir's basso harmonized beautifully with the higher voices, creating a powerful sound during the concert.
- basso profundo
- basso voice
- basso continuo
Examples
-
"He laughed again, his hearty basso profundo unsettling the papers on the desk.
Fiction book (1996) -
What is more central to Baroque music than the sound of the basso continuo?
Academic text (1992) -
He puts the needle down on a record and begins to sing along in a bellowing basso profundo.
Fiction book (1991) -
The man's voice came out muffled by his hands, but it was still a thundering basso that made the china tremble.
Fiction book (2002) -
Scarlett's words and manner were bold enough, but when a basso voice bellowed "Jerome!" from the rear of the house, she felt her palms grow damp.
Fiction book (1991) -
His performance as a basso was captivating, filling the opera house with rich and resonant tones.
-
Everyone turned to listen when the basso sang his solo, as his low voice resonated throughout the hall.
Synonyms
89
4.9
A low male singing voice in a choir or opera
1
3.1
A low male singing voice that sounds deep and rich
Compounds
- Specialized
A shallow carving in which figures just slightly stand out from the background
- Specialized
A low part in Baroque music that supports the harmony and is played throughout by instruments like cello and harpsichord
How Low
Surface Forms
Etymology
Basso comes from the Italian basso and the Latin bassus, both meaning 'low'. It is the same root as the English word bass, so a basso is a man who sings in the lowest part of the voice.