Figured Bass Notation

Definition

Figured bass notation is a musical shorthand that provides performers with the information needed to realize a harmony from a given bass note, typically using numbers and symbols to indicate intervals above the bass. This method allows composers and arrangers to specify chords and their inversions without writing out every note, facilitating easier improvisation and accompaniment. Understanding figured bass is crucial for recognizing various harmonic functions, including cadential resolutions, tonicization techniques, and the use of embellishing tones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In figured bass notation, numbers represent intervals above the bass note, where '6' indicates a sixth above and '4' indicates a fourth above the bass.
2. A cadential 6/4 chord is notated with '6' and '4' beneath the bass note, creating tension that resolves to a dominant or tonic chord.
3. Secondary leading tone chords can be notated using figured bass to show their function as temporary dominants for tonicization of non-tonic chords.
4. Embellishing tones are often represented in figured bass by adding additional numbers or symbols that indicate passing or neighboring tones above the bass line.
5. Understanding figured bass can enhance skills in improvisation by allowing musicians to interpret harmonic progressions and support melodic lines effectively.

Review Questions

• How does figured bass notation help in recognizing cadential 6/4 chords within harmonic progressions?
  • Figured bass notation highlights cadential 6/4 chords by indicating the intervals above the bass note with '6' and '4'. These specific numbers signal that the chord is functioning as a predominant leading to a dominant chord. Recognizing this notation helps performers understand how these chords create tension that resolves to the tonic, enhancing their interpretation of harmonic movement.
• In what ways can figured bass notation facilitate tonicization through secondary leading tone chords?
  • Figured bass notation simplifies the representation of secondary leading tone chords by specifying their intervals relative to the bass note. This allows musicians to identify when a chord temporarily acts as a dominant for a non-tonic target chord. By understanding this notation, performers can enhance their harmonic interpretations and create smoother transitions in their playing.
• Evaluate how mastering figured bass notation impacts one's ability to incorporate embellishing tones into harmonic progressions.
  • Mastering figured bass notation significantly enhances a musician's ability to incorporate embellishing tones into harmonic progressions. By interpreting additional numbers or symbols in figured bass, musicians can recognize where passing or neighboring tones fit within the underlying harmony. This skill enriches their performances by allowing for more expressive playing while maintaining the structural integrity of the harmonic framework.

Related terms

Chord Inversion:

A rearrangement of the notes in a chord where a note other than the root is the lowest note, affecting the chord's quality and function.

Harmonic Function: The role a chord plays within a given key, often categorized as tonic, dominant, or subdominant based on its relationship to the tonic.

Voice Leading:

The practice of writing smooth, connected melodies in the context of harmonic progression, guiding individual musical lines effectively.