In Baroque practice, what does continuo refer to?

In Baroque practice, what does continuo refer to?

• A. Rondo
• B. Continuo
• C. Stretto
• D. Sforzando

Answer: (B)

Continuo, short for basso continuo, is the practice of providing a continuous bass line together with the harmonic accompaniment that underpins Baroque music. It typically involves a bass instrument (like cello or bassoon) combined with a chordal keyboard instrument (harpsichord or organ) that realizes the chords from the figured bass notation. This realization fills in harmony and supports the rhythm, forming the harmonic foundation of the ensemble. Rondo is a recurring-form idea, Stretto is a counterpoint technique in fugues, and Sforzando is a dynamic accent—these terms refer to different concepts, not the continuous harmonic support that continuo provides.

Continuo, short for basso continuo, is the practice of providing a continuous bass line together with the harmonic accompaniment that underpins Baroque music. It typically involves a bass instrument (like cello or bassoon) combined with a chordal keyboard instrument (harpsichord or organ) that realizes the chords from the figured bass notation. This realization fills in harmony and supports the rhythm, forming the harmonic foundation of the ensemble. Rondo is a recurring-form idea, Stretto is a counterpoint technique in fugues, and Sforzando is a dynamic accent—these terms refer to different concepts, not the continuous harmonic support that continuo provides.