Tasto solo

As Printed on a Score

Printed in the continuo or bass part as tasto solo or t.s., under the notes to be played without chords; it lasts until figures reappear over the bass. Do not confuse this tasto (keyboard key) with the tasto of sul tasto (fingerboard).

Abbreviations: t.s.

How Composers Use It

Tells the keyboard player in a continuo part to play the bass line alone, often doubled in octaves, with no harmony above. Baroque composers use it where the bass has melodic material of its own, where a pedal point would clash with realised chords, or where the upper parts already supply the harmony. Editors of continuo music preserve it, and a realisation must respect it.

Example

Bach, Mass in B minor, BWV 232, “Laudamus te”, continuo, m. 21: “Tasto solo”.

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