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continuo Definition

con·tinuo (kən tin′yo̵̅o̅ ō′)

noun

a continuous bass accompaniment, indicated by a shorthand method in notation, and played as on a harpsichord or organ, esp. in baroque music

Etymology: It, orig., continuous < L continuus: see continue

continuo Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • play: Both solo parts are recorded separately, with the original basso continuo played on a piano.
  • include: Students of Harpsichord and Organ will be required to include some continuo playing in the recital.

Modifies a noun

  • accompaniment: They can be played either by violin alone or with the basso continuo accompaniment which is reproduced at the bottom of every page.
  • playing: Recommended for purchase: Continuo playing according to Handel, ed.
  • organ: This three stop continuo organ is available for hire.
  • player: In the vibrant early music scene of the 1990's she was much in demand as a continuo player.
  • instrument: At this time, the orchestra was mainly directed by the person playing the keyboard continuo instrument and later by the principal first violin.
  • improvement: Many advances in techniques via a process of continuos improvement have brought untold advantages.

Noun used with modifier

  • basso: They can be played either by violin alone or with the basso continuo accompaniment which is reproduced at the bottom of every page.
  • keyboard: Keyboard continuo can be improvised ad lib from the score.
  • organ: On this disk the opportunity is taken to present individual concerti with either harpsichord or chamber organ continuo, or without either.
  • stop: This three stop continuo organ is available for hire.