Re: Extension line in figured bass notation

[Tim Yang]

2008/12/25 Carl D. Sorensen <address@hidden>:
>
>
> On 12/24/08 8:19 AM, "Tim Yang" <address@hidden> wrote:
>
>> In figured bass notation currently we can use \bassFigureExtendersOn
>> to represent repeated chords. However, In many baroque music scores I
>> encountered, often there are lines
>> drawn without a figure preceding it.  I believe this means the root
>> chord <5 3> is held,
>> because this chord is omitted as default.  However, currently it seems
>> there is no way
>>  to draw a line without a figure preceding it.
>
> This can be done by entering a figure that is made transparent.
>

Thanks.  I think this can do the trick.

>
>
>> Also, according to the
>> explanation I found for such extention line, it means a chord is held.
>> Holding a chord and repeating it seems to be different concepts.
>
> According to what I read from Kelley,
> <http://www.robertkelleyphd.com/FiguredBass.pdf>, and as described in
> Wikipedia as well,
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basso_continuo#Basso_continuo>
> the extension line means that notes in the figured bass are held from the
> previous bass, even though the bass moves.  Repeating a figure with two
> different bass notes gives two different chords; using an extension line
> gives the same chord.  "Holding" in the sense of rhythm doesn't apply, as I
> understand figured bass.
>
> But I'm *NOT* an expert on figured bass, so don't take my word for it.
>

I believe you are correct and I can understand what "held" is meant now.
It seems the  \bassFigureExtendersOn notation is not really a good idea,
and maybe a new symbol to represent the extension line is better.