Descanted: meaning, definitions and examples
🎶
descanted
[ dɪˈskæntɪd ]
musical style
Descanted refers to the act of singing or playing a melody above a given harmony, often resulting in a counterpoint. This technique is commonly used in choral music and can add richness to the overall sound by introducing independent melodic lines.
Synonyms
counterpointed, harmonized, melodized
Examples of usage
- The choir descanted beautifully during the performance.
- He descanted over the main melody on his flute.
- The composer encouraged the singers to descant improvisationally.
Translations
Translations of the word "descanted" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cantado
🇮🇳 गाया हुआ
🇩🇪 gesungen
🇮🇩 dinyanyikan
🇺🇦 заспіваний
🇵🇱 zaśpiewany
🇯🇵 歌われた
🇫🇷 chanté
🇪🇸 cantado
🇹🇷 şarkı söylenmiş
🇰🇷 노래된
🇸🇦 مغنى
🇨🇿 zaspívaný
🇸🇰 zaspievaný
🇨🇳 演唱的
🇸🇮 zapet
🇮🇸 sungið
🇰🇿 ән айтылған
🇬🇪 მომღერალი
🇦🇿 oxunan
🇲🇽 cantado
Etymology
The term 'descant' originates from the Latin word 'cantus', meaning 'song', combined with the prefix 'de-', suggesting a notion of 'from' or 'off'. It has roots in medieval music where a descant would refer to a secondary melody sung over the main tune. This practice became especially popular in the Renaissance period, where composers began to experiment with melodic lines that complemented the original harmony. Over time, 'descant' transformed into a broader term, embracing not only singing but also instrumental performance. The use of descant techniques has continued to evolve in various musical contexts, from ecclesiastical music to contemporary compositions.