ORGANUMS Meaning and
Definition
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Organums, plural of organum, refers to a specific type of musical composition that originated during the Middle Ages. An organum is a type of polyphonic vocal music consisting of one or more added voices that accompany a chant or plainchant. It is characterized by the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies, with the added voices moving at a different pitch or rhythm than the original chant.
These compositions were typically performed in churches and monastic settings during the medieval period. Organums were predominantly based on existing Gregorian chants, which served as the foundation for the additional voices. The added voices in an organum often followed parallel motion, meaning they would move in the same direction at the same interval, but sometimes they would employ contrary motion or even occasional melismas.
Organums were significant in the development of medieval polyphony, providing a basis for the evolution of more complex musical forms such as motets and canons. They demonstrated the early experimentation with harmonies and the expansion of the musical texture from a single voice to multiple lines. As such, organums played a pivotal role in the progression of Western classical music.
Overall, organums represent an integral stage in the historical development of polyphonic music, showcasing the early exploration of vocal harmonies and the expansion of musical possibilities.
Common Misspellings for ORGANUMS
- irganums
- krganums
- lrganums
- prganums
- 0rganums
- 9rganums
- oeganums
- odganums
- ofganums
- otganums
- o5ganums
- o4ganums
- orfanums
- orvanums
- orbanums
- orhanums
- oryanums
- ortanums
- orgznums
Etymology of ORGANUMS
The word "organum" is derived from the Latin word "organum", which in turn comes from the Greek word "órganon". "Órganon" originally referred to any instrument or tool, but in ancient Greek music, it specifically referred to a musical instrument. In Latin, "organum" retained the musical connotation and referred to a pipe organ, a type of musical instrument. Over time, "organum" came to be associated with any musical instrument or component used in music, such as an organ pipe or a part of a musical composition. The plural form of "organum" is "organums".
Similar spelling words for ORGANUMS
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- organs,
- origin,
- organic,
- oregon,
- Origen,
- organismic.
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