Descant
noun
A high singing voice or a tune that is sung above the main tune in a piece of music.
She sang a descant to the church hymn.
Often appears as...
- sing a descant
- descant line
Usage tips
Literary
verb
To sing a tune that is higher than the main tune or to talk a lot about something in an enthusiastic way.
He descanted on about his love for music.
Often appears as...
- descant on/about
- descant passionately
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A high singing voice or a tune that is sung above the main tune in a piece of music.
She sang a descant to the church hymn.
Often appears as...
- sing a descant
- descant line
Usage tips
Literary
verb
To sing a tune that is higher than the main tune or to talk a lot about something in an enthusiastic way.
He descanted on about his love for music.
Often appears as...
- descant on/about
- descant passionately
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Music Harmony
In music, a descant adds harmony and complexity to the main melody.
The choir's descant beautifully intertwined with the main melody.
Pro Tip 2/3Ornamental Tune
A descant is often ornamental, meaning it decorates the primary tune without overpowering it.
During the concert, the flute played a gentle descant.
Pro Tip 3/3Church Music
Descants are commonly found in church music to enhance hymns and psalms.
The organist played while the congregation sang a descant.
Pro Tip 1/3Music Harmony
In music, a descant adds harmony and complexity to the main melody.
The choir's descant beautifully intertwined with the main melody.
Pro Tip 2/3Ornamental Tune
A descant is often ornamental, meaning it decorates the primary tune without overpowering it.
During the concert, the flute played a gentle descant.
Pro Tip 3/3Church Music
Descants are commonly found in church music to enhance hymns and psalms.
The organist played while the congregation sang a descant.
Pro Tip 1/3Music Harmony
In music, a descant adds harmony and complexity to the main melody.
The choir's descant beautifully intertwined with the main melody.
Pro Tip 2/3Ornamental Tune
A descant is often ornamental, meaning it decorates the primary tune without overpowering it.
During the concert, the flute played a gentle descant.
Pro Tip 3/3Church Music
Descants are commonly found in church music to enhance hymns and psalms.
The organist played while the congregation sang a descant.
Compare with
accompanycommentarycounterpointelaborateharmonyimprovisatoryornamentationvariate
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