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 a write one counterpoint above and one below, three notes to the measure.

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

When the counterpoint begins on the first quarter it must form a perfect consonance with the cantus firmus.

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

Here it means the cantus firmus, the melody around which the old composers wove their contrapuntal ornamentation.

From Luther and the Reformation: The Life-Springs of Our Liberties by Seiss, Joseph A.

Unless otherwise mentioned, put the cantus firmus in any part, but avoid its continued use in the same part.

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