Basso continuo: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Figured Bass.png|thumb|250px|An example of figured bass: only the bass part (left hand) with the figures would be |
[[Image:Figured Bass.png|thumb|250px|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 [[chord|triad]])]] |
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'''Basso continuo''' is a form of musical [[accompaniment (music)|accompaniment]] used in the [[Baroque music|Baroque period]]. It means "continuous bass".<ref name="ammer">{{cite |
'''Basso continuo''' is a form of musical [[accompaniment (music)|accompaniment]] used in the [[Baroque music|Baroque period]]. It means "continuous bass".<ref name="ammer">{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=sneYoAFYXqsC&dq=facts+basso+continuo&pg=PA91 |title=Basso continuo |first=Christine |last=Ammer |work=The Facts on File Dictionary of Music |year=2004 |isbn=9781438130095 |access-date=31 March 2012}}</ref> |
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Basso continuo, sometimes just called |
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]]. The keyboard instrument was normally a [[harpsichord]] but could also be an [[Organ (music)|organ]], such as a small portative instrument. |
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It was not usual to write out all the notes for the keyboard player.<ref name="ammer"/> The composer normally just wrote the |
It was not usual to write out all the notes for the keyboard player.<ref name="ammer"/> The composer normally just wrote the bass line which would be played by the left hand and doubled on the other bass instrument. The composer would indicate what the [[harmony]] should be (which chords should be played) by writing figures underneath the music. |
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Reading music from a figured bass was a skill that all keyboard and piano players were expected to have. They needed to have a good understanding of [[music theory]], especially of [[harmony]]. They would often [[Improvisation|improvise]] ornamental bits on top, but this had to be done musically and sensitively. |
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Basso continuo would accompany solo instruments and singers as well as instrumental groups. |
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==Examples== |
==Examples== |
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[[Category:Classical music]] |
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Latest revision as of 14:51, 19 July 2023
Basso continuo is a form of musical accompaniment used in the Baroque period. It means "continuous bass".[1]
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. The keyboard instrument was normally a harpsichord but could also be an organ, such as a small portative instrument.
It was not usual to write out all the notes for the keyboard player.[1] The composer normally just wrote the bass line which would be played by the left hand and doubled on the other bass instrument. The composer would indicate what the harmony should be (which chords should be played) by writing figures underneath the music.
Examples
[change | change source]-
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C. P. E. Bach: Sonata for flute & b. c. B-flat Wq. 125
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References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ammer, Christine (2004). Basso continuo. ISBN 9781438130095. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)