Baroque musicians were given free rein to improvise through the use of

Answer 1

Baroque musicians were given free rein to improvise through the use of figured bass. This system involved a bass line with numbers (figures) written above or below it to indicate the chords and harmonies to be played. Musicians were expected to interpret these figures, adding their own embellishments and improvisations, which was a hallmark of the Baroque style. This practice allowed for a great deal of creative expression and individual interpretation during performances. Additionally, ornamentation and cadenzas were also commonly improvised by musicians within the framework of the established musical structure.