A tied partimento bass takes the 2nd and 4th.

If it returns to the same key, it takes the perfect fourth.

If it changes key, it takes the augmented fourth.


One can also add the 6th: if the 4th is perfect, the 6th should be minor if the key is minor, but if the key is major, the 6th should also be major.


And when the the 4th is augmented, the 6th should always be major.


In partimenti, a tied bass introduces an intriguing dimension to musical progression.

When the bass remains in the same key, it embraces the perfect fourth, adding stability and consonance.

However, should a key change occur, the tied bass takes on the augmented fourth, injecting a sense of tension and harmonic exploration.


Delving deeper into this harmonic landscape, we encounter the interplay of the sixth. In instances where the fourth is perfect and the key is minor, the sixth assumes a minor role, contributing to the melancholic undertones.


Conversely, if the key is major under these conditions, the sixth transforms into a major presence, infusing brightness and optimism.


Notably, when the fourth is augmented, the sixth steadfastly adopts a major disposition, creating a harmonically rich and vibrant tonal palette.


This nuanced utilization of tied bass and its harmonic counterparts underscores the intricate artistry within partimenti, offering musicians a versatile toolkit for creative expression and compositional exploration.


Explore the dynamic possibilities of tied bass in your musical journey, where consonance and tension harmonize to shape a captivating sonic narrative.

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