Descant: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
descant
[ dษชsหkรฆnt ]
musical term
A descant is a melodic line or counterpoint that is sung or played above a main melody, often in a higher pitch. It is commonly used in choral music and can add harmony and richness to a piece.
Synonyms
counterpoint, harmony, melody.
Examples of usage
- The choir sang a beautiful descant during the hymn.
- She played a descant flute part in the ensemble.
- The descant added a lovely layer to the composition.
to sing
To descant means to sing or play a descant vocal line, especially in harmony with the main melody. This form of musical expression is often used to enhance overall sound and create intricate musical textures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He will descant over the main melody.
- The soloist loves to descant during performances.
- They decided to descant the familiar tune.
Translations
Translations of the word "descant" in other languages:
๐ต๐น contraponto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเฅเค เคธเฅเคตเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Diskant
๐ฎ๐ฉ melodi tinggi
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะธัะบะพะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ diskant
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฃในใซใณใ
๐ซ๐ท dessus
๐ช๐ธ contrapunto
๐น๐ท yรผksek ses
๐ฐ๐ท ๋์ค์นธํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุตูุช ู ุฑุชูุน
๐จ๐ฟ diskant
๐ธ๐ฐ diskant
๐จ๐ณ ไธๅฃฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ diskant
๐ฎ๐ธ diskant
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะธัะบะพะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแกแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ diskant
๐ฒ๐ฝ contrapunto
Etymology
The word 'descant' originates from the Latin 'discantus', which means 'to sing apart' or 'to sing in different parts'. It was first used in the context of music during the medieval period, referring to the practice of adding higher melodic lines against a cantus firmus, or fixed song, in choral music. As musical styles evolved, the use of descants became more sophisticated, especially in polyphonic music during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Today, 'descant' can refer to both the melodic technique and the specific vocal parts in choral compositions.