Arnold Niedt pp. 34-55 Gasparini Buelow pp. Figured bass is absolutely necessary. It allows for a complete realization of harmony which is geared toward matching the meaning of words. Consonances may be both natural and accidental.
All cadences require a major-third.
This practice is a confirmation of a stylistic revolution. Gone are the days of chaotic fugues and the like, from which Palestrina and his Missa Papae Marcelli saved music. Beyond Palestrina, this stylistic shift is confirmed in the convenient thorough-bass practice. Mainly citing voice-leading principles of unfigured bass. Everything reduces to triadic harmony.