What is figured bass?

Figured bass is indeed a form of musical shorthand that was widely used during the Baroque period. This notation system involves writing out the bass line of the music along with numbers or symbols that indicate the chords to be played above the bass notes. This allows performers, particularly keyboard players or guitarists, to add harmonies and embellishments based on the notated bass line. This practice was especially significant for composers of that era, as it facilitated improvisation and provided a framework for harmonization, enabling musicians to interpret the music with a degree of flexibility while still adhering to the composer's intentions.

While notation systems have evolved over time, and modern music employs various forms of written notation, figured bass specifically pertains to the 17th and 18th centuries. It is distinct from styles of music that may focus on solos or choral arrangements, as its primary function is to inform musicians about chord structures and harmonies beneath a given melody line rather than to dictate specific performance practices or compositional techniques. Understanding figured bass is crucial for grasping the harmonic language and performance practices of the Baroque period.