The basso continuo
Example: The basso continuo provides a harmonic foundation in Baroque compositions.
Definition
The "basso continuo" is a continuous bass line typically played by keyboard and a low melodic instrument, providing harmonic support and structure in Baroque music compositions.
Etymology
The term "basso continuo" comes from Italian, where 'basso' means 'bass' and 'continuo' means 'continuous.' It originated in the early 17th century during the Baroque period to describe the continuous bass accompaniment essential to the era's musical texture.
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"The basso continuo" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (C2) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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