{Cantatus firmus, and higher freedoms}[5th February 1991]

[Redbook8:212][19910205:1412]{Cantatus firmus, and higher freedoms}[5th February 1991]

.1412

‘Still reflecting mediaeval practices, the pre[-]existing melody (or cantatus firmus) [in the 15th-century mass]* was usually in the tenor (or lowest)** part and in long, sustained tones, while the upper parts provided free elaboration.’***

*[Square brackets here as in ms, indicating insertion into ms]

**[sic]

Tenor: from tenere = to hold (the voice part ‘holding’ the cantatus formus)****

***– ibid [Encyclopaedia Britannica 24]: 553

[Extract from ‘The History of Western Music’ ‘THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD’ ‘New religious musical forms’]

****– ibid [Encyclopaedia Britannica 24]: 552

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