Word Study
passacaglia
CIDE DICTIONARY
passacaglia, n. [Sp. pasacalle a certain tune on the guitar, prop., a tune played in passing through the streets.].
An old Italian or Spanish dance tune, in slow three-four measure, with divisions on a ground bass, resembling a chaconne. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
passacaglia, n. Mus. an instrumental piece usu. with a ground bass.
Etymology
It. f. Sp. pasacalle f. pasar pass + calle street: orig. often played in the streets
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