CONTRAFACT Meaning and
Definition
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Contrafact is a term predominantly used in music theory to describe a musical composition that is based on an existing melody, but with a changed harmonic or rhythmic structure. The word "contrafact" is derived from the Latin words "contra" meaning "against" or "opposite," and "factum" meaning "thing made." In other words, it refers to the act of composing something new using premade material.
Contrafacts often arise when musicians take a popular or well-known melody and create an entirely new composition by altering its harmonic progression or rhythm. This process allows composers to explore different moods, styles, or genres while still maintaining a recognizable melodic base. It provides a creative opportunity to reimagine and reinterpret a familiar tune.
Contrafacts have been a common practice throughout the history of music, particularly in jazz and popular music genres. They can serve as a means of paying tribute to a particular melody, experimenting with different harmonic possibilities, or providing new musical contexts for a familiar melodic line.
The skillful use of contrafacts can be seen as a reflection of a composer or musician's creativity, as they must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining the integrity of the original melody while creating something distinctive and unique.
Etymology of CONTRAFACT
The word "contrafact" is derived from Latin, where "contra" means "against" or "opposite", and "factum" means "thing made" or "deed done".
In the context of music, "contrafact" refers to the practice of setting new lyrics to an existing melody. The term became widely used in jazz and popular music, particularly in the 20th century. This technique allows composers to create new songs based on a familiar melody, resulting in a new composition while retaining some elements of the original.
