A basso continuo typically consists of a cello (or double bass) and organ or harpsichord. The cello plays the bass line while the keyboard player improvises chords, derived from musical shorthand notation called figured bass .

What instruments play the basso continuo?

A basso continuo is a part given to an instrument that plays a bass line and chords to accompany a melody. The performer will sometimes improvise and decorate what they play. In the Baroque period the instruments would have been the harpsichord, bass viol, organ or lute.

What 2 types of instruments comprised the basso continuo quizlet?

Made up of four instruments: two melody instruments playing over a basso continuo performed by two instruments - a string instrument to play the bass line and a chord-playing instrument.