cantus
n pl , -tus
1 a medieval form of church singing; chant
2 (Also called)
canto the highest part in a piece of choral music
3 (in 15th- or 16th-century music) a piece of choral music, usually secular, in polyphonic style (Latin: song, from canere to sing)
bel canto
n (Music)
a a style of singing characterized by beauty of tone rather than dramatic power
b (as modifier)
a bel canto aria
(C19: Italian, literally: beautiful singing)
canto
n pl , -tos
1 (Music) another word for →
cantus →
2
2 a main division of a long poem
(C16: from Italian: song, from Latin cantus, from canere to sing)
canto fermo , cantus firmus
n
1 a melody that is the basis to which other parts are added in polyphonic music
2 the traditional plainchant as prescribed by use and regulation in the Christian Church
(Italian, from Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song)