canto fermo

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canto fermo

(ˈkæntəʊ ˈfɜːməʊ) or

cantus firmus

n
1. (Classical Music) a melody that is the basis to which other parts are added in polyphonic music
2. (Ecclesiastical Terms) the traditional plainchant as prescribed by use and regulation in the Christian Church
[Italian, from Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
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