Continuo, often referred to as basso continuo, is a musical practice from the Baroque period that provides a harmonic foundation for a piece of music. It typically involves a bass line played by instruments like the cello or bassoon, along with a keyboard instrument such as the harpsichord or organ that fills in the chords. This practice allows for greater flexibility in performance, as musicians can improvise harmonies based on the written bass line. In a continuo ensemble, the bass line serves as a guide for both harmonic structure and rhythmic support. Musicians playing the continuo part are expected to interpret the written symbols, often using figured bass notation, which indicates the chords to be played above the bass notes. This collaborative approach enhances the overall texture of the music, making it a vital element of Baroque compositions.