cantus firmus

American  

[kan-tuhs fur-muhs] / ˈkæn təs ˈfɜr məs /

noun

1. the ancient traditional unisonal plainchant of the Christian Church, having its form set and its use prescribed by ecclesiastical tradition.

2. Music. a fixed melody to which other voices are added, typically in polyphonic treatment.

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Etymology

Origin of cantus firmus

1840–50; < Medieval Latin: literally, firm song

Example Sentences

Each section is built on a simple cantus firmus — a brief, unharmonized chant — around which a rich, involving six-part harmonic fabric is woven.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2011

To cantus firmus b write second species in one part and third in the other.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann

It is his way of carrying on together a cantus firmus in two's and a counterpoint in three's.

From The Masters and their Music A series of illustrative programs with biographical, esthetical, and critical annotations by Mathews, W. S. B. (William Smythe Babcock)

To cantus firmus a write third species in one part, as previously directed.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann

To cantus firmus b write two above and two below in the second species.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann