How Do You Spell ORGANUM?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːɡanəm] (IPA)

Organum is a term commonly used in musicology to describe a medieval polyphonic style. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "or" is pronounced with an /ɔ/ sound, like the "aw" in "law". The second syllable "gan" is pronounced with a /g/ sound as in "go", followed by the vowel sound /æ/ like in "cat". The final syllable "um" is pronounced with an /ʌ/ sound, like the "u" in "cut". Together, they form the word "organum".

ORGANUM Meaning and Definition

1. Organum is a term that originated in medieval Western music. It refers to a specific style of polyphony or musical composition that was prevalent during the 9th to 13th centuries. Organum was a significant development in the history of Western music as it marked the transition from monophonic chant to polyphony, or the combination of two or more independent melodic lines.

   In simple terms, organum implies the addition of one or more melodic voices to a preexisting chant melody. This polyphonic texture allowed composers to create harmonies and expand the sonic possibilities of their compositions. Organum was commonly performed in sacred settings, primarily in the context of the Christian Church.

   The earliest form of organum, known as parallel organum, involved adding a second voice to the chant melody, singing the same pitches in parallel motion at a fixed interval, often a fourth or fifth. Later developments in organum introduced contrary motion, where the added voice moved independently from the chant melody while maintaining a harmonic relationship. Composers such as Leonin and Perotin from the Notre-Dame school in Paris played pivotal roles in the evolution of organum, employing complex rhythmic structures and intricate polyphony.

   Overall, organum represents a critical stage in the development of Western classical music, bridging the gap between monophonic Gregorian chant and the subsequent emergence of more intricate polyphonic compositions.

Common Misspellings for ORGANUM

• arkanum
• ommasum
• organom
• origanun
• orighanum
• trygonum
• organnums
• organtz
• Orgunul
• organez
• Oogynium
• Lordanum
• orreium
• orgazem
• orgazam
• Organam
• Organoim

Etymology of ORGANUM

The word "organum" has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "organon", meaning "instrument" or "tool". The Greek word "organon" further derives from the verb "ergon", which means "work" or "do". Over time, the word "organon" transitioned into Latin as "organum", and eventually made its way into the English language in the field of music, where it refers to an early form of polyphony or to an instrument such as the pipe organ.

Plural form of ORGANUM is ORGANA