basso continuo

noun

, Music.

1. continuo.

basso continuo

noun

1. another term for thorough bass Often shortened tocontinuo

Word History and Origins

Origin of basso continuo¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of basso continuo¹

Italian, literally: continuous bass

Example Sentences

Scored for five voices, five unspecified instrumental parts and basso continuo, the music is reverent and wistful.

From New York Times

Although he has rarely spoken about it, this staggering early blow lingers in the recesses of Ashbery’s mature work, lending his writing a basso continuo of transience, elegy and loss.

From New York Times

All of this was, however, accompanied by a strong basso continuo: the candidate’s business experience, financial independence, and fabled prowess at negotiation and “the art of the deal.”

From Wall Street Journal

The musicians give the accompaniment, a single basso continuo line, pleasing variety because of the various combinations of bass viol, harpsichord, organ, lute and theorbo.

From Washington Post

Within it all, squeaking metal yielded a high-pitched ostinato, and the ever-so-slightly-clattery rumble of the train was the high-tech equivalent of a Baroque basso continuo.

From New York Times