In the first part, Niedt discusses the basics of figured bass, and gives the following definition: 'The thorough-bass is the most complete foundation of music.
Niedt justifies devoting an entire part of his book to variation because, he says, "variety in things or ideas ... is to no creature so pleasing and delightful as to the senses and sensibilities of the human soul.
"[3] In addition to variation, the second part of the Musical Guide also contains a specialized dictionary that defines musical terms, as well as a descriptive list of the specifications of 63 important organs found in various places across northern and central Europe including Sendomir, or today Sandomierz Poland.
Nonetheless, a substantial portion of the third section was published, which begins by describing counterpoint, and later branches off into other traditionally serious areas of music, such as canon.
I break out in a cold sweat at the mere thought of these follies and I would certainly have to purge myself from both directions if I spoke or wrote much about this matter.