continuo

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-oh] / kənˈtɪn yuˌoʊ /

noun

Music.

plural

continuos

1. a keyboard accompanying part consisting originally of a figured bass, which in modern scores is usually realized, and serving to provide or fill out the harmonic texture.

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continuo British  

/ kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ /

noun

1. music

   1. a shortened form of basso continuo See thorough bass

   2. ( as modifier )

      a continuo accompaniment

2. the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc

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Etymology

Origin of continuo

1715–25; < Italian: literally, continuous

Example Sentences

Harpsichord and viola da gamba act as soloists as well as continuo; a modern lute song is a lullaby.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Michael Beattie, much as Bach would have, played the organ continuo part while offering just occasional cues.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2019

Gracias a mi familia y a mi equipo Boomstick23 por su apoyo continuo.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2018

At times, the cellos and basses have the texture of Baroque continuo accompaniment.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2018

At the commencement is merely marked Basso continuo.

From The Pianoforte Sonata Its Origin and Development by Shedlock, J. S. (John South)