continuo Definition
a keyboard accompaniment used in Baroque music consisting of a bassline and harmonies played by an instrument such as a harpsichord or organ.
Using continuo: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "continuo" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The continuo part is often played by a harpsichord.
Example
The cellist was responsible for playing the continuo line.
Example
The continuo provides a harmonic foundation for the melody.
continuo Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for continuo
- basso continuo
- figured bass
Phrases with continuo
the process of creating a complete musical texture from a figured bass
Example
The performer's realization of the continuo was impressive.
a type of musical notation used in Baroque music in which numerals and symbols indicate intervals, chords, and non-chord tones to be played above a given bass note
Example
The figured bass indicated that the continuo should play a major chord.
Example
The basso continuo was played by a cello and a harpsichord.
Origins of continuo
from Italian 'continuo', meaning 'continuous'
Summary: continuo in Brief
'Continuo' [kuhn-tin-yoo-oh] refers to a keyboard accompaniment used in Baroque music, consisting of a bassline and harmonies played by an instrument such as a harpsichord or organ. It provides a harmonic foundation for the melody and is often played by a harpsichord. The performer's realization of the continuo involves creating a complete musical texture from a figured bass.
