Music A-Level
Basso continuo
What Basso continuo means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Basso continuo
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Reference: AQA
A part usually played by a bass melodic instrument and a chordal instrument realising the figured bass, providing the harmonic foundation.
A continuous bassline and harmonic accompaniment typical of the Baroque era, providing both the harmonic framework and the bassline.
The driving bass line whose structural importance creates the bass polarity in this texture.
A continuous bassline and chordal support, often played by harpsichord and cello.
Topics that use Basso continuo
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Antecedent phrase
- Antiphonal texture
- Aria
- Articulation
- Balanced phrases
- Bass suspension
- Binary form
- Cadential 6/4
Using Basso continuo in the exam
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