Meaning & use

continuo

noun·Advanced

A continuous bass accompaniment, typically played on a keyboard instrument, in baroque music.

See it in a sentence

The harpsichordist provided the continuo throughout the cantata, supporting the singers underneath.

Baroque orchestras often included a cello and organ to perform the continuo part together.

A note on using this word

Continuo is short for 'basso continuo,' a foundational accompaniment style central to baroque chamber and orchestral music.

Words with a similar meaning

basso continuo

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