Figured bass

Definition

Figured bass is a musical notation system used primarily in the Baroque period, where numbers and symbols placed below the bass line indicate intervals, chords, and harmonies that should be played by the keyboard or lute player. This method allowed for improvisation and embellishment, giving performers the freedom to interpret the harmony based on the figures provided. It plays a crucial role in the development of basso continuo and is significant in treatises on composition that shaped music theory and practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Figured bass emerged as a standard practice in the late 16th century and became essential in Baroque music, facilitating a shift towards more complex harmonic structures.
2. Composers like J.S. Bach and Handel extensively used figured bass in their compositions, showcasing its importance in creating intricate musical textures.
3. The figures themselves can indicate various intervals and chords, such as major or minor thirds, sixths, or diminished sevenths, allowing for versatile harmonic interpretations.
4. Treatises on composition from this era often included guidelines on how to realize figured bass effectively, highlighting its pedagogical significance.
5. Figured bass was not only a notation tool but also a reflection of the collaborative nature of Baroque performance, where instrumentalists relied on each other's interpretations.

Review Questions

• How did figured bass influence the improvisational aspects of Baroque music performance?
  • Figured bass allowed performers to interpret harmony freely based on the figures provided below the bass line. Musicians could embellish and vary their performances according to their understanding of harmony, leading to a more personalized interpretation of the music. This improvisational freedom was central to Baroque music, allowing for unique expressions during performances.
• Discuss the role of figured bass in the development of basso continuo and its significance in Baroque compositions.
  • Figured bass was integral to the practice of basso continuo, as it provided a framework for harmonic support within compositions. The notation helped players understand which chords and harmonies to realize, making it easier for composers to create complex textures. This system enabled a more unified sound among ensembles and contributed significantly to the evolution of harmonic practices during the Baroque era.
• Evaluate the impact of figured bass on the educational approaches found in treatises on composition from the Baroque period.
  • Figured bass had a substantial impact on educational methods outlined in composition treatises from the Baroque period. These texts often emphasized the importance of understanding and realizing figured bass as a fundamental skill for musicians. By incorporating figured bass into their teachings, these treatises not only improved musicians' abilities to perform but also laid down essential principles of harmony and voice leading that would influence future generations of composers and performers.

Related terms

basso continuo: A continuous bass part that provides harmonic support, typically played by a keyboard instrument along with a bass instrument, foundational to Baroque music.

harmonic analysis: The process of studying the chords and progressions within a piece of music to understand its structure and emotional content.

realization: The act of interpreting and performing the figured bass notation, where musicians decide on specific chords and embellishments to bring the written music to life.