cantus firmus

[ kan-tuhs fur-muhs ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantus firmus¹

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

Example Sentences

Write four times, changing the cantus firmus into every part.

From Project Gutenberg

Two-part counterpoint comprises a cantus firmus and a counterpoint.

From Project Gutenberg

Two notes are written in the counterpoint to one of the cantus firmus, except in the last measure.

From Project Gutenberg

To cantus firmus a write two counterpoints above and two below in the first species.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg