Meaning & use
continuo
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountablemusic
A continuous bass line played as accompaniment in baroque music, usually by a keyboard instrument sometimes with a bass instrument.
Grammar: Often used without 'a' when referring to the accompanying group or part: 'for continuo and strings'. Can be countable when referring to a specific part: 'a continuo was written out'.
Patterns
- for continuo
- with continuo
- a continuo part
The cellist played the continuo while the harpsichordist filled in the chords.
In this sonata, the continuo is written as a figured bass line.
The conductor asked the organist to provide continuo for the choir.
nounsingularmusic
The group of instruments that play this bass accompaniment.
Grammar: Takes a singular verb when referring to the group: 'the continuo plays softly'.
Patterns
- the continuo plays
- the continuo consists of
The continuo consisted of a harpsichord, cello, and double bass.
The continuo sat at the back of the stage.
Word forms
| plural | continuos |
|---|
Common combinations
- figured bass continuo
- The teacher explained how to realize a figured bass continuo at the keyboard.
- continuo part
- She practiced the continuo part on the harpsichord.
- continuo group
- The continuo group included a lute and a viola da gamba.
- play continuo
- He learned to play continuo from a figured bass.
Synonyms and how they differ
- basso continuo
- The full Italian term; 'continuo' is the common short form.
- figured bass
- Refers specifically to the notated bass line with numbers, while 'continuo' can also mean the players or the practice.
Word family
- continuous adjective
- Happening without a break; not directly related to music but from the same root.
- continuity noun
- The state of being continuous; not a musical term.
Commonly confused: continuo or continuous?
continuo vs continuous
An adjective meaning 'without stopping'; 'continuo' is a musical noun.
Practice
In baroque music, what is a continuo?
Choose one answer.
A continuo is a bass line played throughout a piece, usually by a keyboard instrument, providing harmonic support. A solo melody is the opposite of a bass accompaniment, and a drum rhythm or unaccompanied chorus does not match the definition.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “continuo”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.