Under the motto "The basso continuo is the most perfect foundation of music" (Johann Sebastian Bach), the "Day of the Basso continuo" offers insights into historical practice, theoretical developments and current perspectives as well as the compositional significance of the basso continuo.
Expert speakers from research and practice will shed light on the development and different approaches from the Baroque period to early Romanticism and create space for dialogue about the role of the basso continuo in today's musical practice and training.
The complete programme of public lectures from 10:00 to 18:00 is currently available in the calendar of events on the website of the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts: Please see hmtm.de/veranstaltungen/tag-des-generalbasses.
Part 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as of 25 October 2025:
10:00 a.m.: Welcome by Prof Michael Eberth
10:15 am: Prof Michael Eberth (HMTM) – "Influences of the modern style on continuo realisations in Johann Sebastian Bach's works from his Leipzig period"
11:00 a.m.: Georg Thoma (HMTM / Freiburg University of Music) – "Basso continuo without keys – continuo thinking for melody instruments"
12:00: Markus Schwenkreis (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis) – "From 'cardboard organist' to 'fundamental musician' – basso continuo as the basis of improvisation lessons in the 18th century"
12:45 pm: Giovanni Michelini (HMTM) – "The compositional role of the basso continuo in Johann Sebastian Bach's French Suites"
