Basso continuo: (figured bass) the bass part that is written as part of a jazz standard. baroque accompaniment made up of a bass part together with numbers (figures) indicating the chords to be played above it. usually the basso continuo is played by two instruments, a keyboard plus a low melodic instrument. renaissance accompaniment made up of a bass part together with numbers (figures) indicating the chords to be played above it. usually the basso continuo is played by one instruments, only a low melodic instrument. (organ point) single tone, usually in the bass, which is held while the other voices produce a series of changing harmonies against it; often found in fugues. none of the above.