The basso continuo was important to the Baroque era because it accompanied the melody line while filling in the harmony.
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In the...? As a guess, I'd say it's because it provides the bass for any chord, and even if that's all that's provided, it makes improvisation easy...
In the Baroque era (1600–1750)
Basso continuo
Basso continuo is a type of musical notation. It was very prevalent in the Baroque era which lasted from 1600-1750. Basso continuo is when chords, intervals, and non-chord tones are written above or below the bass line in a piece of music.
The most typical Baroque accompaniment for a solo melodic instrument or voice is called 'basso continuo'. The chords would be played on a harpsichord or organ, and the bass line would be reinforced by a cello or a similar instrument of the period.
The basso continuo is the "underpinning" of a piece. The cello would have played the lowest voice line. A harpsichord or another keyboard instrument would have added chord figures along with the bass line to support the other music being played along with it.