Continuo (Noun)
Meaning
A bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer provided a continuo part to guide the harpsichordist in accompanying the singers.
- In the Baroque period, it was common for a continuo to be used in ensemble music to provide harmonic structure.
- The cellist played the continuo line in the Brandenburg Concerto, supporting the violin soloist.
- A skilled lutenist can realize a continuo part from a figured bass line with ease.
- The continuo section in the opera score was marked for harpsichord and cello, with explicit chord indications.