Continuo, short for "basso continuo," is a musical practice from the Baroque period that involves a continuous bass line played by instruments like the cello or bassoon. This bass line is accompanied by harmonies, typically provided by a keyboard instrument such as the harpsichord or organ. The performers often improvise chords based on the written bass line, allowing for a rich and dynamic sound. In a continuo ensemble, musicians work together to create a harmonic foundation for vocalists or solo instruments. This practice was essential in compositions by famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, helping to define the texture and style of Baroque music.