What is the musical instrument continuo?
Definition of continuo : a bass part (as for a keyboard or stringed instrument) used especially in baroque ensemble music and consisting of a succession of bass notes with figures that indicate the required chords. — called also figured bass, thoroughbass.
What is basso continuo example?
Sonic Glossary: Basso Continuo. A method of thickening musical textures by augmenting the bass line. [Example 1: Fifth Brandenburg Concerto, 1st movement.]
Which instruments made up the basso continuo unit?
Basso continuo was the harmony of the music. Generally, an instrument that was capable of playing chords played the basso continuo, such as a harpsichord, organ, or harp. Bass instruments, such as a cello or bassoon, might also be included.
What is the definition of basso continuo quizlet?
What is the definition of “basso continuo”? a small ensemble of at least two instrumentalists that provides a foundation for the melody or melodies above, heard almost exclusively in Baroque music.
What period is basso continuo?
A basso continuo is, in 17th- and 18th- century music, the bass line and keyboard part that provide a harmonic framework for a piece of music.
How is a basso continuo played?
It means “continuous bass”. Basso continuo, sometimes just called “continuo”, was played by an instrument providing chordal accompaniment such as a keyboard instrument or plucked string instrument such as the lute along with another bass instrument such as cello, violone, or bassoon.
What does embellishment mean in music?
ornamentation
By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica | View Edit History. Fast Facts. 2-Min Summary. ornamentation, in music, the embellishment of a melody, either by adding notes or by modifying rhythms. In European music, ornamentation is added to an already complete composition in order to make it more pleasing.
What two combinations are typically used for the basso continuo?
The most common combination, at least in modern performances, is harpsichord and cello for instrumental works and secular vocal works, such as operas, and organ for sacred music.
What is functional harmony quizlet?
FUNCTIONAL HARMONY. Tonal harmony based on major and minor keys. The most important functions of the chords are subdominant, dominant, and tonic. (
What is the function of continuo in Baroque music?
A continuo is an accompanying part used in Baroque music, which provides a bassline for the other parts and adds harmony.
How many instruments does it take to perform a basso continuo?
However, because the basso continuo is usually made up of at least two instruments (typically a cello or bass viol and a keyboard instrument such as the harpsichord), performances of trio sonatas typically involve at least four musicians, and some 18th-century published editions have duplicate partbooks for the bass (Mangsen 2001).
Which instruments typically played the basso continuo part?
Baroque orchestra instruments usually included: strings – violins, violas, cellos and double basses woodwind – recorders or wooden flutes, oboes and bassoon brass – sometimes trumpets and/or horns (without valves) timpani (kettledrums) continuo – harpsichord or organ
What were the two instruments played the basso continuo part?
Basso continuo parts were usually played by at least two instruments, most frequently a keyboard instrument-such as a harpsichord or organ -in combination with a bowed bass instrument (i.e. a bowed string instrument with a low range) like a cello or viola da gamba which only played the bass line.
Why was the basso continuo important in the Baroque era?
Basso continuo (the Italian term for ‘continuous bass’) was a very popular style of composition during the Baroque era. Most performances during this period were based on this type of composition. Answer and Explanation: The basso continuo was important because it provided a strong, continuous bass line against which the melody was expressed.