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Translation

basso continuo

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Explanation of "Basso Continuo"

Definition:
"Basso continuo" is a musical term that refers to a bass part in music that is written out in full, along with numbers that tell musicians what chords to play above it. It is commonly used in Baroque music (a style of music from the 17th and early 18th centuries).

Usage Instructions:
  • When to use: You would use "basso continuo" when discussing music, especially from the Baroque period, or when talking about how musicians accompany a melody.
  • How to use: You can say, "The piece features a basso continuo that guides the harmony throughout the performance."
Example:
  • "In many Baroque compositions, the basso continuo provides the harmonic foundation, allowing the other instruments to play freely above it."
Advanced Usage:
  • In more advanced discussions, you might talk about "realizing a basso continuo," which means interpreting the numbers and writing out the chords to create a complete accompaniment.
Word Variants:
  • Basso: This word means "low" in Italian and is used in music to refer to low voices or instruments.
  • Continuo: This means "continuation" in Italian, indicating that the bass part continues throughout the piece.
Different Meaning:
  • While "basso continuo" specifically refers to a musical term, "basso" alone can refer to the low range of sound in music or a low voice, and "continuo" can refer to something that continues without interruption in other contexts.
Synonyms:
  • There are no direct synonyms for "basso continuo," but similar concepts may include "figured bass" (a notation system that uses numbers to indicate chords) or simply "bass line" (though this is less specific).
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "basso continuo," as it is a technical term used in music.
Summary:

"Basso continuo" is an important concept in Baroque music that helps musicians understand how to play harmonies beneath a melody.

Noun
  1. a bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played

Synonyms

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