Akademik

a sustained bass note

1. : a single tone usually the tonic or dominant that is normally sustained in the bass and sounds against changing harmonies in the other parts — called also organ point; compare drone bass

2. : the phrase or passage in which a pedal point occurs

1. a tone sustained by one part, usually the bass, while other parts progress without reference to it.

2. a passage containing it. Also called organ point, pedal note.

[1875-80]

pedal point noun

An organ point, a tone or tones (usu tonic and dominant) sustained normally in the bass, while other parts move independently

Main Entry: ↑pedal

pedal point,

1. a tone (usually either tonic or dominant) sustained in one part (usually the bass) through various harmonies, often independent, in the other parts.

2. the part of a piece containing this.