ANTIPHONY Meaning and
Definition
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Antiphony is a term originating from the Greek words "anti" meaning against or opposite, and "phone" meaning sound or voice. It refers to a musical practice or technique in which two or more voice parts or instrumental sections alternate in an antithetical or responsive manner. This compositional style creates a compelling contrast and dialogue between different musical entities.
In antiphonic music, voices or instruments are often grouped into contrasting sections or choirs, known as antiphonal groups, that perform their musical phrases or sections in alternation. Typically, one group sings or plays a musical phrase, and then the other group responds with a differing phrase. This back-and-forth pattern creates a distinctive call-and-response effect, emphasizing the contrast between different musical ideas or textures.
This technique has been employed in various musical traditions, including Western classical music, religious music, and folk music. In Western classical music, antiphony is commonly found in choral compositions, where two or more choirs situated in different locations sing in response to each other. It can also be seen in works written for multiple instruments, such as Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, where contrasting sections of musicians play off each other.
Antiphony adds richness, depth, and complexity to musical compositions, allowing for the exploration of different timbres, tonalities, and dialogues within a piece. Overall, it is a technique that enhances the expressiveness and dynamics of music by creating a captivating interplay between contrasting voices or instrumental sections.
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The alternate singing of two choirs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ANTIPHONY
- zntiphony
- sntiphony
- wntiphony
- qntiphony
- abtiphony
- amtiphony
- ajtiphony
- ahtiphony
- anriphony
- anfiphony
- angiphony
- anyiphony
- an6iphony
- an5iphony
- antuphony
- antjphony
- antkphony
- antophony
- ant9phony
Etymology of ANTIPHONY
The word "antiphony" originated from the Greek word "antiphōnia", which is derived from "anti", meaning "against" or "opposite", and "phōnē", meaning "sound" or "voice". In ancient Greek, "antiphōnia" referred to singing in response or alternate singing between two groups or individuals. The term later evolved in medieval music to describe a style of vocal composition that involved alternating or responsive singing between two choirs or voices.
Similar spelling words for ANTIPHONY
- antiphon,
- antipyretic,
- antipodean,
- antipathy,
- antiphonal,
- anadiplosis,
- antiproton,
- antiphonary,
- Antipyresis,
- antipasto,
- antiphrasis.
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