FIGURED BASS Meaning and
Definition
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Figured bass, also known as thoroughbass or basso continuo, is a musical notation system used in Western music from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It is a shorthand way of indicating harmonic progressions and melodic ornaments that were commonly used during this time period.
In figured bass notation, a bass line is written out, usually in the bass clef, and numbers or symbols called figures are added above or below the bass notes. These figures indicate the intervals or chords that should be played above the bass note, and can also include symbols for specific melodic ornaments. The figures provide the instrumentalist or keyboard player with a guide to improvising or realizing the harmony above the given bass line.
Figured bass was primarily used during the Baroque and Classical eras, particularly in keyboard music and in basso continuo sections of orchestral and chamber music. It allowed for flexibility and creativity in performance, as the instrumentalist or keyboardist would use the figures as a starting point and then fill in the implied harmonies and ornaments with their own embellishments.
This notation system was gradually phased out in the 19th century as tonal harmony became more standardized and prescribed. However, figured bass remains an important tool for understanding and performing music from the Baroque and Classical periods, as it provides valuable insight into the improvised and ornamented performances of the time.
Common Misspellings for FIGURED BASS
- digured bass
- cigured bass
- vigured bass
- gigured bass
- tigured bass
- rigured bass
- fugured bass
- fjgured bass
- fkgured bass
- fogured bass
- f9gured bass
- f8gured bass
- fifured bass
- fivured bass
- fibured bass
- fihured bass
- fiyured bass
- fitured bass
- figyred bass
Etymology of FIGURED BASS
The term "figured bass" originates from the Italian phrase "basso continuo col canto figurato", which translates to "continuous bass with figuration in the melody". This term was commonly used during the Baroque period in Europe, particularly in Italy, to indicate the practice of providing a harmonic foundation for a musical composition using a bass line supported by numerically indicated chords or figures. Over time, the term "figured bass" became widely used in English to describe this technique.
Similar spelling word for FIGURED BASS
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