canto fermo

British  

/ ˈkæntəs ˈfɜːməs, ˈkæntəʊ ˈfɜːməʊ /

noun

1. a melody that is the basis to which other parts are added in polyphonic music

2. the traditional plainchant as prescribed by use and regulation in the Christian Church

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Etymology

Origin of canto fermo

Italian, from Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song

Example Sentences

These are generally sung by two counter-tenor voices, in canto fermo, in harsh, hard tones; the first half of each verse in the same style, and the second responded to by the chorus of male voices that I already described.

From Project Gutenberg

I send you a specimen of the mode in which they render the canto fermo, regardless both of the words and the sense.

From Project Gutenberg

They say it is canto fermo, 185 Gregorian, etc.; no matter.

From Project Gutenberg

The morning service closed at half-past one with a hymn in canto fermo.

From Project Gutenberg

By degrees various counter subjects were introduced in opposition to the canto fermo; first dotted notes, then triplets, at last rapid semiquavers, through which the "Credo" was to work its way; quite at the close, the semiquavers became very wild, and arpeggios followed on the whole organ in G minor.

From Project Gutenberg