The Collaborative International Dictionary
Basso \Bas"so\, n. [It., fr. LL. bassus. See Base, a.] (Mus.)
The bass or lowest part; as, to sing basso.
One who sings the lowest part.
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The double bass, or contrabasso.
Basso continuo. [It., bass continued.] (Mus.) A bass part written out continuously, while the other parts of the harmony are indicated by figures attached to the bass; continued bass.
Wiktionary
n. (context music English) The continuous realization of harmony throughout a musical piece, usually by a harpsichord and/or cello. Abbreviation: bc.
WordNet
n. a bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played [syn: figured bass, continuo, thorough bass]
Usage examples of "basso continuo".
Over the ventilator and engine hums they could hear a rumbling basso continuo, punctuated by booms that were timed to sudden explosions of smoke from the vent.
Forget monody and basso continuo, surround yourself in strange dissonant harmonies, in an exotic perfume for the listening.