Context: Baroque music is characterized by the use of complex tonal counterpoint and the use of a basso continuo, a continuous bass line. Music became more complex in comparison with the songs of earlier periods. The beginnings of the sonata form took shape in the canzona, as did a more formalized notion of theme and variations. The tonalities of major and minor as means for managing dissonance and chromaticism in music took full shape.

Question: Basso continuo and complex tonal counterpoint characterize what type of music? 
Answer: Baroque

Question: What does basso continuo mean? 
Answer: a continuous bass line

Question: What did music become during the Baroque era  in comparison with earlier periods?
Answer: more complex

Question: What form began to take shape during the Baroque era? 
Answer: the sonata form

Question: Major and minor what are means for managing dissonance and chromaticism?
Answer: tonalities