In Baroque practice, what does continuo refer to?

Study for the Praxis Music Content and Instruction (5114) Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and materials, complete with explanations and clarifications. Master the content and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

In Baroque practice, what does continuo refer to?

Explanation:
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.

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