figured bass

[ beys ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Music.

a bass part in which the notes have numbers under them indicating the chords to be played.

figured bass

/ beɪs /

a shorthand method of indicating a thorough-bass part in which each bass note is accompanied by figures indicating the intervals to be played in the chord above it in the realization

First recorded in 1795–1805

This volume forms a key to "Exercises in Figured Bass" by the same author (see above).

During the seventeenth century, sonatas were written for various instruments, with a figured bass for the cembalo.

Viadana is said to have been the first to use what is called a basso continuo, and even the figured bass.

Instead of the national game the class was wrestling with figured bass and the art of descant, and again it groaned aloud.

Likewise the notation of a Chorale with a figured bass should not be omitted.

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