Meaning of Organum in Music
Organum is a term used in music to refer to a specific style of polyphonic music that originated in the Middle Ages. The term "organum" originally referred to any musical instrument, but it later came to be associated with a polyphonic setting of Gregorian chant in certain specific styles.
In organum, a plainsong melody, also known as a chant, serves as the foundation, and additional parts are added to create harmony and multiple voices. These added voices often move in parallel motion with the chant melody, typically in intervals of fourths or fifths. As time progressed, the style of organum became more free, with the introduction of contrary and oblique motion in the added voices. The added voices also became more ornate and melismatic, featuring elaborate melodic passages.
Notre-Dame organum is a specific style of organum that alternates between the organal style, where the added voices move in parallel with the chant, and descant sections, where both melodies move rhythmically according to the triple patterns of the late medieval system of rhythmic modes. Melismatic organum, on the other hand, reflects the free melodic flow of Oriental music and features melismatic passages that may have been influenced by the music encountered during the Crusades.
The term "organum" is often used to describe the broader category of polyphonic music in general, but it specifically refers to the style of polyphony that emerged during the Middle Ages. Organum played a significant role in the development of Western music and was an important precursor to later forms of polyphony and harmony.
Conclusion
Organum is a style of polyphonic music that originated in the Middle Ages. It involves adding voices to a plainsong melody, creating harmony and multiple voices. The added voices often move in parallel motion with the chant melody, and over time, the style of organum became more free and melismatic. Notre-Dame organum is a specific style that alternates between organal and descant sections, while melismatic organum reflects the influence of Oriental music. Organum played a crucial role in the development of Western music and served as a precursor to later forms of polyphony and harmony
Term referring to the earliest kind of polyphonic music. Organum developed from the practice of adding voices above a plain chant (cantus firmus); these added voices at first ran parallel to the plain chant at an interval of a fourth or fifth. Later they began to move about more freely. Organum was in use from about the 12th through the 13th centuries.
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