Final answer:
Basso continuo is a Baroque period musical accompaniment that provides the harmonic foundation for a piece, allowing melodic lines to stand out. It's typically played by a keyboard instrument and a low-pitched string instrument, embodying the era's unified musical sounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basso continuo, also known as thoroughbass, is a form of musical accompaniment used in the Baroque period (1600-1750). It is important because it provided the harmonic structure of a piece of music. The basso continuo is typically played by keyboard instruments like the harpsichord or organ along with a low-pitched stringed instrument such as the cello or double bass.
While the keyboard or lute player improvises chords or a full accompaniment based on the notated bass line, the other instrument reinforces the bass line itself. The significance of the basso continuo lies in its role in establishing harmony. During the Baroque era, it was the foundation upon which melodic lines could flourish.
In essence, the continuo part provided the skeleton of the musical composition, allowing soloists and ensembles to perform with a clear harmonic structure underpinning their melodies. This method of accompaniment helped to create a unified sound among all the performers, which was a key characteristic of Baroque music.