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A set of continuous variations over a repeating bass line (ground bass), typically in triple meter.
Writing a passacaglia requires a strong, memorable bass line — usually 4 or 8 bars. Each variation adds new material above the bass while maintaining the harmonic framework. The bass can eventually move to upper voices or be fragmented. Build intensity through the variation sequence.
Bach's Passacaglia in C minor, BWV 582 — 20 variations over an 8-bar bass, building from solo pedal to massive fugue.
Passacaglia is one of 1760 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary: the words, abbreviations and instrument names that appear in printed scores, plus the vocabulary composers use to talk about them.
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