3.2 Figured bass and basso continuo
3 min read•july 18, 2024
and were crucial elements in Baroque music. These systems provided a flexible harmonic foundation, allowing musicians to improvise and adapt their performances. Understanding these concepts is key to grasping Baroque musical structure and performance practice.
The , typically a keyboard and low melodic instrument, realized the figured bass notation. This created a rich harmonic backdrop for melodic lines and solos, fostering a dynamic interplay between musicians during performances.
Figured Bass and Basso Continuo in Baroque Music
Figured bass in Baroque music
Top images from around the web for Figured bass in Baroque music
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figured bass - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figured bass - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Figured bass in Baroque music
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figured bass - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Figured bass - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figured bass - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- System of musical notation used extensively in Baroque era compositions
- Consists of a bass line with numbers and accidentals (sharps, flats, naturals) written below the notes
- Numbers indicate intervals to be played above the bass note (6 for sixth, 4 for fourth)
- Provides harmonic foundation and structure for the composition
- Allows for and flexibility in the accompaniment by the continuo group
- Supports melodic lines and solo instruments (violins, flutes) by providing harmonic context
Concept of basso continuo
- Basso continuo or continuo refers to the continuous bass line played throughout a Baroque piece
- Provides harmonic support and foundation for the entire ensemble
- Typically performed by a group of instruments known as the continuo group
- Usually includes a keyboard instrument (, ) and a low melodic instrument (, , )
- Keyboard instrument realizes the figured bass by playing chords and improvising harmonies
- Low melodic instrument doubles the bass line, reinforcing the foundation and adding depth
Interpretation of figured bass
- Figured bass notation uses numbers and accidentals below the bass line to indicate intervals and chords
- Numbers represent intervals above the bass note (42 for a fourth and second above the bass)
- Accidentals modify the intervals (♯6 for a raised sixth, ♭3 for a lowered third)
- Realizing a continuo part involves:
- Playing the notated bass line with the left hand on the keyboard
- Interpreting the figured bass symbols to determine the intended chords and intervals
- Improvising and filling in the harmonies with the right hand based on the figured bass and musical context
- Requires knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, and improvisation to effectively realize the continuo part
Basso continuo vs other voices
- Basso continuo serves as the harmonic foundation, supporting the other voices and instruments
- Provides a consistent and stable basis for the ensemble to build upon
- Supports melodic lines and solo passages (arias, concertos) with harmonic accompaniment
- Continuo group listens and responds to the other voices, adapting the to complement and enhance the musical texture
- Fills in harmonies and provides rhythmic drive, especially in tutti sections (when all voices play together)
- Adjusts dynamics, articulation, and phrasing to blend with the ensemble
- Allows for flexibility and communication within the ensemble
- Musicians can follow the continuo's lead for tempo, dynamics, and musical expression
- Facilitates musical dialogue and interplay between the voices and instruments (call and response, imitation)
Key Terms to Review (18)
Basso continuo: Basso continuo, often referred to as thoroughbass, is a form of musical accompaniment used in Baroque music where a bass line is played alongside harmonies, typically realized by a keyboard or lute player. This practice became a defining characteristic of the Baroque era, providing a harmonic foundation for various musical forms and styles.
Bassoon: The bassoon is a woodwind instrument that has a distinctive low range and a unique timbre, typically made of wood and played using a double reed. It plays a crucial role in orchestral and chamber music, often providing bass lines and harmonies while also having the capability for melodic passages. The bassoon's development during the Baroque period reflects advancements in instrument design and performance practice, making it an essential part of various ensembles.
Cello: The cello is a bowed string instrument that is larger than a viola and smaller than a double bass, producing deep, rich tones that are crucial in both orchestral and chamber music settings. Its versatility allows it to perform both melody and harmony, making it an integral part of the figured bass and basso continuo practices as well as a prominent feature in the development of Baroque ensembles.
Chord progression: A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession, creating a harmonic framework for music. This sequence forms the backbone of many compositions, providing structure and emotional depth. In the context of figured bass and basso continuo, chord progressions guide performers in interpreting the harmonic changes, indicating which notes should be played and how they relate to the melody.
Complex Figured Bass: Complex figured bass is a notation system used in Baroque music that provides musicians with detailed instructions on how to realize the harmonic structure of a piece. It goes beyond simple numbers and symbols, incorporating additional notes and embellishments to indicate more intricate harmonies and textures that performers should use when interpreting the music. This system allows for greater creative expression and variation in performance while ensuring that the essential harmonic framework is preserved.
Continuo group: The continuo group, often referred to as the basso continuo, is a musical ensemble that provides harmonic support in Baroque music, typically consisting of a keyboard instrument and a bass instrument. This group plays an essential role in establishing the harmonic foundation of a piece, allowing for improvisation based on figured bass notation, which indicates the chords and intervals that should be played. The interaction between the continuo group and other instrumentalists or vocalists is crucial for creating the rich textures characteristic of the period's music.
Continuo player: A continuo player is a musician who performs the basso continuo part in Baroque music, providing harmonic support and continuity for the ensemble or soloist. This role is crucial as it establishes the foundation upon which melodies are built, allowing for greater improvisation and expression within the music. Typically, continuo players use instruments like the harpsichord, organ, or lute, and they interpret figured bass notation to realize harmonies, making their contribution vital for the overall sound of Baroque compositions.
Figured bass: Figured bass is a musical notation system used in the Baroque period that indicates the chords and harmonies to be played above a written bass line. This practice allowed for greater improvisation and interpretation by performers, contributing to the rich texture and harmonic language of the time. It became a fundamental aspect of both vocal and instrumental music, shaping the development of styles and practices during this era.
Harmonic analysis: Harmonic analysis is the process of examining and interpreting the harmonic structure of a piece of music, focusing on the relationships between chords and the underlying bass line. It involves recognizing how chords function within a progression, often guided by figured bass notation. This method allows musicians and composers to understand the tonal organization and the expressive qualities of a musical work.
Harpsichord: The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings when keys are pressed, rather than striking them as in a piano. It played a central role in Baroque music, providing a distinct timbre and allowing for expressive performance, particularly in the context of figured bass and basso continuo.
Improvisation: Improvisation in music refers to the spontaneous creation of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms during a performance, rather than playing pre-composed material. This practice is a vital characteristic of Baroque music, where musicians were often expected to embellish and ornament their parts in real time, allowing for personal expression and creativity within the musical framework.
Musical ornamentation: Musical ornamentation refers to the decorative notes and embellishments added to a melody to enhance its expressiveness and beauty. This practice was particularly popular during the Baroque period, where musicians would use ornamentation as a means of improvisation and personalization, allowing performers to add their own flair to compositions, especially when playing figured bass or using basso continuo.
Numerical notation: Numerical notation refers to a system of writing music using numbers to indicate the intervals and chords to be played, primarily in the context of figured bass. This method allows musicians to interpret harmonic structures and add their own embellishments to a musical score, facilitating improvisation and realization in performance.
Organ: The organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by forcing air through pipes or using electronic means. It plays a central role in both sacred and secular music, especially during the Baroque period, when it became prominent in church settings and orchestral compositions.
Realization: In music, realization refers to the process of interpreting and performing figured bass or a similar notation by filling in the harmonies and embellishments indicated by the symbols. This concept is crucial for understanding how musicians during the Baroque era were expected to improvise and create a richer texture based on the minimal written instructions provided by the composer. Realization connects the written score to the performance, allowing musicians to express their creativity while adhering to the harmonic framework established by the composer.
Simple Figured Bass: Simple figured bass is a notation system used during the Baroque period that indicates harmonies through numbers and symbols placed beneath the bass line. This system allows performers to understand which chords to play above the bass note, facilitating the improvisation of harmonic accompaniment. It was a crucial component in the development of basso continuo, which served as the foundation for many compositions in this era.
Staff Notation: Staff notation is a system of writing music that uses a set of five horizontal lines and four spaces, where notes are placed to indicate pitch and rhythm. This method allows musicians to read and interpret music in a standardized way, making it easier to communicate musical ideas. Staff notation became the primary means of documenting music during the Baroque period, paving the way for more complex forms like figured bass and basso continuo.
Viola da gamba: The viola da gamba is a string instrument that was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, characterized by its fretted fingerboard, an inward-curving body, and typically six or seven strings. It is played with a bow held underhand and is often associated with chamber music and the basso continuo practice, blending harmoniously with other instruments to provide both melodic and harmonic support in ensembles.