Basso continuo facts for kids

An example of figured bass: only the bass part (left hand) with the figures would be written. The chords in the right hand show how it might be played. The figures give the intervals from the bass note up. If no figure is given the chord is a 5 3 chord (an ordinary triad)

Basso continuo is a form of musical accompaniment used in the Baroque period. It means "continuous bass".

Basso continuo, sometimes just called "continuo", was played by a keyboard instrument and another bass instrument such as cello, violone (an old form of double bass) or bassoon. The keyboard instrument was normally a harpsichord, or, if it was being played in a church, an organ.

It was not usual to write out all the notes for the keyboard player. The composer normally just wrote the bottom line which would be played by the left hand (usually with a lower 8th doubling), and by the cello or whatever the instrument being used. The composer would indicate what the harmony should be (which chords should be played) by writing figures underneath the music. This is why it is called figured bass or sometimes thoroughbass. The continuo player will "realize" the figured bass, i.e. he will improvise the chords which are shown. In XIX and early XX century editions of old music the figured bass part was normally realized (written out) by the editor, while starting from the mid XX century editions of ancient music print the figured bass.

Basso continuo would accompany solo instruments and singers as well as instrumental groups.

Examples

• Penelope - Di misera regina.ogg

  Claudio Monteverdi:
  Di misera, regina from
  Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria

• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach - Sonata in Bb major.ogg

  C. P. E. Bach: Sonata for flute & b. c. B-flat Wq. 125

• Lully Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - 08. Air des Espagnoles.ogg

  J. B. Lully:
  Air des Espagnoles from
  Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme