descant : Idioms & Phrases

Index

descant on

  • verb sing a descant on a main tune or melody
WordNet

Figurate counterpoint ∨ descant

  • (Mus.), that which is not simple, or in which the parts do not move together tone for tone, but in which freer movement of one or more parts mingles passing discords with the harmony; called also figural, figurative, and figured counterpoint or descant (although the term figured is more commonly applied to a bass with numerals written above or below to indicate the other notes of the harmony).
Webster 1913

Figurative counterpoint ∨ descant

  • . See under Figurate.
Webster 1913