Glossary

Basso continuo

The basso continuo, also known as continuo, is a musical concept from the Baroque period. In this practice, an instrument (usually a harpsichord or an organ) provides a harmonic foundation by improvising chords based on a written bass line. This bass line consists of notes that indicate the root tones of the chords. The basso continuo forms the harmonic framework of a piece, enabling other instruments to play melodies above it.