Enigma out of the clear sky: partimenti and their role in music theory of 18th century

Abstract
The article concerns a partimento, that is a special system of notation for keyboards which was being used for educational purposes from the 18th century. The examples of this notation which are called partimenti too, was regarded as effective exercises for training in composing and improvising. Though the method of training by partimento was being developed as oral tradition, its influence may be found in the works of the 18th century composers. The fact of acting of partimento tradition makes the view of composition theory of that time be revised, and the reviving of that practice open the way for perfecting of method of performing and composing training.

Keywords
Partimento, music of the 18th century, exercises in musical composition, improvisation, musical notation, method of musical composition