Continuo; Basso Continuo; Thorough Bass; Figured Bass

A continuo part, a regular feature of much instrumental music in the 17th and 18th centuries, was played by a keyboard-player or performer on a chordal instrument such as a lute or harp, reading from the bass line of a composition, generally with numbers to indicate the choice of chords, which would then be filled out, with other melodic and contrapuntal embellishments. The continuo or basso continuo was a necessary part of instrumental music, but gradually fell into disuse towards the end of the 18th century, while remaining an important element in the accompaniment of operatic recitative.


Note:  "thorough" (old spelling for "through") means the same as "continuo", i.e., continuing throughout the piece

A method of indicating an accompanying part  by the bass notes only, together with figures designating the chief intervals and chords to be played above the bass notes.  This stenographic system was universally used in the baroque period (1600-1750).

The thoroughbass practice of the Baroque grew out of the improvisation techniques of the 16th century.  About 1600, motets were occasionally accompanied on the organ by a "bassus pro organo,"  a separate bass part from which the organist played the harmonies.

"Basso continuo" refers to the instruments used to play the thoroughbass (figured bass) part -- usually, in the Baroque period, an organ or harpsichord and a cello or "viola da gamba".