Alberti bass

Italian/English composer

Definition

A broken-chord accompaniment pattern in which the notes of a chord are played in the order lowest–highest–middle–highest, creating a rocking, harmonic filler beneath the melody.

Interpretive Guidance

Keep Alberti bass figures light and subordinate — they are harmonic padding, not melody. Use a different touch quality for the left hand: slightly less weight, less pedal, and a consistent dynamic level so the right-hand melody always sings above.

Context

Scope Used by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Language Italian/English

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