[kuh
n-tin-yoo-oh] 
| 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. |
| con·tin·u·o (kən-tĭn'yōō-ō') n. pl. con·tin·u·os An independent bass line, usually realized on a keyboard instrument, in which numerals written underneath the notes indicate the kinds of harmony to be played. Also called basso continuo, figured bass, thoroughbass. [Italian, from Latin continuus, continuous; see continue.] |