A basso continuo could be played by a harpsichord together with which instrument?

• A. Violin
• B. Flute
• C. Trumpet
• D. Harpsichord and Cello

Answer: (D)

Basso continuo provides the ongoing bass line and harmonic support in Baroque music. It’s usually realized by pairing a bass instrument with a chordal keyboard or lute so the texture has both a steady foundation and the accompanying chords. The cello supplies the essential low foundation of the bass line, while the harpsichord reads the bass figures and fills in the chords, creating the continuous harmonic texture that defines the continuo. The other options are higher melodic instruments and don’t furnish the necessary sustained bass or harmonic realization, so they don’t form the typical continuo pair. That’s why harpsichord with cello best represents a standard continuo setup.