Definition: A short musical idea similar to a motif is a figure. Like a motif, this can be used to build up a section of music, but it has a less distinct character and so may be harder to remember.
Examples: Bach, 'The Well-tempered Clavier', Book 1, First Prelude - continuous flow of semiquavers whose rhythmic shape is not distinct enough to be a motif, but the arpeggio shape differentiates it from other series of semiquavers
Taken from: Unit 16, p.69
Definition: The bass part which had figures written above or below it - the figured bass
Further info: Usually a keyboard instrument the figures were a shorthand indicating which chords should be played. The numbers represent the interval of the notes to be played above the bass part
Taken from: Unit 9, p.18 - 20
Definition: The speed at which a cycle of regular changes in air pressure occurs is called frequency. It is measure in cycles per second or Hertz.
Further info: the modern orchestra tunes to a 440Hz 'A'
Taken from: Unit 2, p.35
Definition: The roots of the primary triads written in musical notation is called the fundamental bass. It is a useful shorthand.
Fundamental bass is not designed to be played or sung.
Taken from: Unit 7, p.11 and Unit 8, p.45