continuo

[kuhn-tin-yoo-oh]

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.

continuo

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuo¹

1715–25; < Italian: literally, continuous

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuo¹

Italian, literally: continuous

Example Sentences

The honeyed tone of the small complement of continuo instruments as the competing mothers approached Solomon was just one example of the care taken with details.

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He also learned the organ and the harpsichord so he could play continuo.

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There’s elasticity in the way the ensemble’s sound expands and contracts, reacting to fluctuations in the intensity of the characters’ feelings and enlivening music built predominantly from strings and continuo.

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Even with a jazz quartet in the pit alongside the orchestra — Blanchard’s answer to a Baroque continuo — there’s little classic swing in the mix.

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Scored for five voices, five unspecified instrumental parts and basso continuo, the music is reverent and wistful.

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