discantus Definition
a part or melody that is sung or played above the main part in medieval music.
Using discantus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discantus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The discantus was sung by the choir while the tenor sang the main melody.
Example
The discantus part in this piece is particularly challenging for the violinist.
Phrases with discantus
a type of medieval polyphony in which a plainchant melody is accompanied by another voice singing a parallel melody a perfect fourth or fifth higher
Example
The organum discantus was a popular form of music in the 12th century.
a type of medieval polyphony in which a part is added above an existing melody, often with florid embellishments
Example
The discantus supra librum technique was used extensively in the Notre Dame School of polyphony.
Origins of discantus
from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'cantus' (song)
Summary: discantus in Brief
'Discantus' [dɪˈskæntəs] refers to a part or melody that is sung or played above the main part in medieval music. It is often challenging and requires skillful execution, as in 'The discantus part in this piece is particularly challenging for the violinist.' 'Discantus' includes variations like 'organum discantus' and 'discantus supra librum,' which are techniques used in medieval polyphony.
