The practice is continually brought into disrepute by lazy, second-rate musicians. Diruta and Banchieri lament the inability of the figured bass to show full contrapuntal textures, and the generation of organists not fluent in score-reading and improvisation because of its influence. Dialogo Musicale 1612. A composer who is strongly in favor of employing the figured bass. Allies himself with Viadana, Bianciardi, and Agazzari.
Good organists have a thorough contrapuntal knowledge and good continuo skills.
Dissemination of Figured Bass practice Spread of figured bass practice from Italy can be seen in the re-publication of works with newly added figures. This is a practical consideration for the potential lack of vocal resources as well as a justification of a newer practice. 1617 Richard Deering composes first extant English work employing figured bass. Syntagma Musicum 1619. Continuo on organ, lutes, harps, etc. is both foundation and ornament.