Abbreviation of ΓÇ£basso continuoΓÇ¥ (continuous bass). In 17th and 18th century music, a line of single notes in the bass clef provided for the keyboard player who accompanies, for example, recitative. The player is expected to work out the correct standard harmonies from these notes and their relationship to the notes of the soloist. This allows for a degree of improvised decoration of the harmonies which can be extremely creative, supplying dramatic effects or subtext. The bass line as written is often reinforced by a cello or double bass.
