What does cantus firmus mean in music?

Cantus firmus, (Latin: “fixed song”, ) plural Cantus Firmi, preexistent melody, such as a plainchant excerpt, underlying a polyphonic musical composition (one consisting of several independent voices or parts).

What is a cantus line?

In music, a cantus firmus (“fixed melody”) is a pre-existing melody forming the basis of a polyphonic composition. The Italian is often used instead: canto fermo (and the plural in Italian is canti fermi).

How do I know if I have cantus firmus?

The cantus firmus is traditionally written in alto clef, beginning and ending on the tonic of the key. The note durations are of equal value, with the whole note being the traditional value. The range of the cantus firmus melody is usually no more than an octave.

What is the purpose of a cantus firmus?

One melody, usually a chant, served as a foundation for a second melody to move in a quicker, more florid manner above it. This chant was called the cantus firmus which is Latin for fixed song. The cantus firmus is any preexisting melody that is used as the foundation for a polyphonic composition.

What is the meaning of cantus firmus in music?

In music, a cantus firmus (“fixed song”) is a pre-existing melody forming the basis of a polyphonic composition . The plural of this Latin term is cantus firmi, although the corrupt form canti firmi (resulting from the grammatically incorrect treatment of cantus as a second- rather than a fourth-declension noun) can also be found.

Which is the correct plural form of Cantus?

The plural of this Latin term is cantus firmi, although the corrupt form canti firmi (resulting from the grammatically incorrect treatment of cantus as a second- rather than a fourth-declension noun) can also be found. The Italian is often used instead: canto fermo (and the plural in Italian is canti fermi).

When was the cantus firmus used to teach counterpoint?

Using a cantus firmus as a means of teaching species counterpointwas the basis of Gradus ad Parnassumby Johann Joseph Fux, although the method was first published by Girolamo Dirutain 1610. [citation needed]Counterpoint is still taught routinely using a method adapted from Fux, and based on the cantus firmus.