Continuo players

A continuo player is a musician who plays a continuous bass line in baroque music, providing harmonic foundation and support. They typically use instruments like the harpsichord, organ, or lute, often combined with a cello or viola da gamba. The continuo player interprets the written bass line and improvises chords and accompaniment in real-time, ensuring the music's structure and emotional expression. This role is essential for maintaining rhythm, harmony, and cohesiveness in baroque performances, allowing other musicians to connect their melodies with a solid, expressive harmonic framework.