What is a Ripieno?

Ripieno is a term relating to Concerto Grosso, a style of music that was very important in the Baroque period of Western Art Music. A Concerto Grosso contains three main elements - the Ripieno being one of these. It describes the main, larger group of ensemble instruments. The other two elements are the Concertino and the Basso Continuo. The Concertino is the smaller group of solo instruments. Basso Continuo describes the bass line played in a Concerto Grosso, which could be played by double bass, cello, viola or a number of other instruments, depending on what instruments were available. On top of the bass line, the harpsichord (sometimes even a lute or organ) would fill in harmonies based on that bass line. This bass line and harmony would provide the foundation on which the melody sits.