Rhythm in the Classical era

Abandoning the basso continuo and writing separate parts for bass and harmonic lines changed the nature of orchestral accompaniment. The aim now was for a systematic, natural and simple musical expression. The writing of individual parts to form the accompaniment allowed a more precise and detailed treatment of rhythm. In orchestral works, this can be perceived as a rhythmic framework in the middle voices under which the bass line progresses. Harmony was built into this rhythmic pulse, between the melody and the bass line.