canto fermo

/ ˈkæntəʊ ˈfɜːməʊ; ˈkæntəs ˈfɜːməs /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of canto fermo¹

Italian, from Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song

Example Sentences

Choral music in all ages has tended to consist largely of counterpoint on a canto fermo (see Contrapuntal Forms).

From Project Gutenberg

In the very sound of it there is a canto fermo; it proceeds as by a chant.

From Project Gutenberg

In the simplest cases the Canto Fermo has notes of equal length and is unbroken in flow.

From Project Gutenberg

In life we have destiny from which there is no escape; in counterpoint we have the canto fermo of which not a note may be altered.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg