continuo

[ kuhn-tin-yoo-oh ]

noun

, Music.

, plural con·tin·u·os.

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

To which Cicero himself aptly answers, "que contingit omnibus fidibus, ut incontent sint; illud non continuo, ut que incontent."

From Project Gutenberg

Continuo, culpam ferro compesce priusquam, Dira per infaustum serpant contagia corpus.

From Project Gutenberg

Continuo summas se tollit caetus ad undas, T. stire, moves; comp.

From Project Gutenberg

The three strings are often complete without the Continuo, but occasionally there is an extra part for this.

From Project Gutenberg

Ita dum fessum corpus, quocumque inclinabat, stimulis ferreis confoditur, vigiliis et dolore continuo interemptus est.

From Project Gutenberg