Basso Continuo

The term basso continuo refers to the accompanying instrument(s) in baroque music. Rather like today most pop groups have a drummer and bass guitar to keep the rhythm and energy going, so most baroque ensembles will have a basso continuo. The basso continuo plays the bass line, which forms the foundation of all baroque music; learn to be aware of this bass line, and you will gain a whole new perspective on what baroque composers were trying to do.

Which instruments play basso continuo?

• The standard combination is harpsichord plus cello or viola da gamba.
• Different instruments such as lute, organ or harp often join, or even replace these mainstays, either to create a different effect, or sometimes simply because of availability
• Even within a single piece, you can hear different combinations of the continuo group. This creates different colours and moods in the music

What does it look like on the music?

The music shown here is from Pandolfi-Mealli's La Bernabea, which was featured in our Spirit of the Golden Age concerts. The solo (violin) part is written on top, and the bass line is written on the bottom stave.

The continuo players know which chord to play by reading the figures (numbers above the bass line); the ability to improvise up this figured bass is an important skill in baroque music.