Meaning of Discantus in Music
In music, the term "discantus" or "descant" has several different meanings depending on the period in question. Etymologically, the word means a voice (cantus) above or removed from others.
During the Middle Ages, a descant referred to a form of medieval music in which one singer sang a fixed melody, while others accompanied with improvisations. This form of music was a type of Gregorian chant in which only the melody was notated, but an improvised polyphony was understood. The term "discantus supra librum" (descant "above the book") was used to describe this practice.
In instrumental practice during the 17th century, the term "descant" took on special connotations. It became an Anglicized form of the Latin term "discantus" and was used interchangeably with other terms such as "descant".
In more contemporary usage, a descant is an additional vocal part above the main melody in music. Many church hymns include a descant, which is sung at a higher pitch than the melody.
To summarize, "discantus" or "descant" in music can refer to a form of medieval music with improvised polyphony, an additional vocal part above the main melody, or a term used in instrumental practice during the 17th century.
See descant.
Leave a Reply