cantus firmus

[ kan-tuhs fur-muhs ]

noun

1. the ancient traditional unisonal plainchant of the Christian Church, having its form set and its use prescribed by ecclesiastical tradition.
2. Music. a fixed melody to which other voices are added, typically in polyphonic treatment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantus firmus¹

1840–50; < Medieval Latin: literally, firm song

Example Sentences

“I decided to try to use the climate data as the cantus firmus and create music for the earth,” she wrote.

From The Verge

Because the part carrying the cantus firmus moves lower in pitch through transposition, the “Agnus Dei” movement sits quite low, which flatters the group’s attractive lower voices.

From Washington Post

In medieval and Renaissance times, the chant tune on which masses were built was commonly a cover of a standard issue cantus firmus.

From Los Angeles Times

Cantilena, kan-ti-lē′na, n. a ballad or light song: a cantus firmus or melody for church use: a singing exercise or solfeggio.

From Project Gutenberg

Each section is built on a simple cantus firmus — a brief, unharmonized chant — around which a rich, involving six-part harmonic fabric is woven.

From New York Times