Which term refers to a sustained note in one voice, typically in the bass?

The term that refers to a sustained note in one voice, typically in the bass, is a pedal point. A pedal point is a note, often in the bass, that remains constant or is sustained while other voices or harmonies change above it. This technique creates tension and drama, as the constant note allows for contrasting harmonies to develop, enhancing the overall musical texture.

In contrast, a theme is a principal idea or melody in a piece of music; it is not characterized by a sustained note but rather by its distinct melodic content. A canon involves a compositional technique where a melody is imitated after a certain time interval, and it does not specifically refer to a sustained bass note. Harmony encompasses the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, which is broader than the specific concept of a pedal point.