Melisma: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Melisma noun. A group of several notes sung on a single syllable of text.
How to say it
muh-LIZ-muh/məˈlɪzmə/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (LIZ).
Melisma in a sentence
The singer stretched 'love' into a melisma that lasted six bars.
Gospel choirs and medieval plainchant both delight in melisma.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- run
- roulade
- vocal run
Where melisma comes from
From Greek melisma, a song or tune.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Gospel choirs and medieval plainchant both delight in _____.
- melisma
- motif
- parody
Show the answer
melisma: Gospel choirs and medieval plainchant both delight in melisma.