cantus firmus (Meaning)
cantus firmus (n)
a pre-existing melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition; originally drawn from plainchant, but later drawn from other sources
Synonyms & Antonyms of cantus firmus
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
cantus firmus Sentence Examples
- In medieval music, a cantus firmus served as the foundational melody upon which compositions were built.
- The composer skillfully integrated the cantus firmus into the intricate polyphonic texture of the motet.
- Scholars studied manuscripts to uncover the origins of the cantus firmus used in Renaissance compositions.
- The cantus firmus provided a sense of continuity and structure amidst the complex harmonies of the choral arrangement.
- The cantus firmus was often drawn from Gregorian chant or other sacred melodies.
- Composers of the Renaissance era experimented with different techniques for elaborating upon the cantus firmus.
- The cantus firmus served as a unifying element in compositions, tying together disparate voices and instruments.
- The cantus firmus underwent transformations as it was passed from one voice to another, creating intricate musical dialogues.
- Musicians meticulously rehearsed their parts to ensure that the cantus firmus was conveyed with clarity and expression.
- The cantus firmus remained a central feature of Western music for centuries, inspiring generations of composers to explore its creative possibilities.
FAQs About the word cantus firmus
a pre-existing melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition; originally drawn from plainchant, but later drawn from other sources
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
In medieval music, a cantus firmus served as the foundational melody upon which compositions were built.
The composer skillfully integrated the cantus firmus into the intricate polyphonic texture of the motet.
Scholars studied manuscripts to uncover the origins of the cantus firmus used in Renaissance compositions.
The cantus firmus provided a sense of continuity and structure amidst the complex harmonies of the choral arrangement.