A descant, discant, or discantus is any of several different things in music, depending on the period in question; etymologically, the word means a voice (cantus) above or removed from …

Dec 5, 2016 · The prefix des-, meaning "two" or "apart", indicates that the descant is a "second song" apart from the main melody. In popular songs a descant will often be sung at the very …

A discant (occasionally, particularly later, written "descant") is a form of medieval music in which one singer sang a fixed melody, and others accompanied with improvisations.

Learn its meaning, history, and role in melodies, plus how it connects to music education at Descant Music.

descant, (from Latin discantus, “song apart”), countermelody either composed or improvised above a familiar melody. Descant can also refer to an instrument of higher-than-normal pitch, …

Apr 20, 2025 · In the realm of musical composition and performance, understanding the intricacies of harmony and counterpoint is crucial. Among these elements is the descant, a …

Descant definition: a melody or counterpoint accompanying a simple musical theme and usually written above it.. See examples of DESCANT used in a sentence.

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun descant, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Jul 6, 2025 · (music) A counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme. descant (third-person singular simple present descants, present participle descanting, simple past and past …

Learn the meaning of Descant with clear definitions and helpful usage examples.