he range above. Melodic instruments replace the human voice, and a figured bass is played in the range immediately above the basso continuo. This figured bass might be plucked·demonstrating the connection to the Renaissance lyre technique·or one of the new keyboard instruments, such as the organ, might be used to supply the figured bass. Often, the figured bass player would improvise notes around chords written (figured) by the composer, not unlike how some jazz musicians perform today ("Characteristics"). In this way, the listener hears the basso continuo at one end of the musical range, the melody at the other end, and the figured bass in the middle.
Some of the greatest works of instrumental music, whether for a solo instrument or an ensemble, are associated with the Baroque period. Keyboard instruments in particular gained popularity as technology made it possi
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