cantus firmus

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music | 1996 | 312 words | Copyright

cantus firmus (Lat.). Fixed song. A melody, usually taken from plainsong, used by composers in 14th–17th cents. as the basis of a polyphonic comp. and against which other tunes are set in counterpoint. Also, in 16th cent., the upper v.-line of a choir. Sometimes referred to as canto fermo. See conductus.

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MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "cantus firmus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "cantus firmus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-cantusfirmus.html

MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "cantus firmus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-cantusfirmus.html

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