organum

[awr-guh-nuhm]

organum Definition

a form of early polyphonic music from the Middle Ages that involves adding one or more voices to an existing plainchant.

Using organum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "organum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The use of organum in medieval music was a significant development in Western music history.

  • Example

    Organum is characterized by the addition of a second voice to a plainchant melody.

Phrases with organum

  • a type of organum where the added voice moves in parallel with the original voice

    Example

    Parallel organum was a common technique in early polyphonic music.

  • a type of organum where the added voice moves independently from the original voice

    Example

    Free organum was a more complex and sophisticated form of polyphony.

  • a type of organum where the added voice has a highly ornamental and decorative style

    Example

    Florid organum was popular in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

Origins of organum

from Latin 'organum', meaning 'instrument'

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Summary: organum in Brief

'Organum' [awr-guh-nuhm] is a form of early polyphonic music from the Middle Ages. It involves adding one or more voices to an existing plainchant, resulting in a more complex and sophisticated form of music. Organum is characterized by techniques such as parallel organum, free organum, and florid organum.