Definition

Verb: - To sing or play a descant (a higher, independent melody) above a main tune or melody. This involves performing a counter-melody that harmonizes with and decorates the primary musical line.

Usage

This verb is used specifically in a musical context. It describes the action of a singer or instrumentalist adding a decorative, often improvised, higher part to a well-known melody. - The soprano will descant on the final hymn verse. - The flutist descanted on the simple folk tune, making it more elaborate.

Examples

• During the concert, the violinist was asked to descant on the main theme during the repeat.
• The choir's arrangement features a soloist who descants on the chorus.
• She learned to descant on traditional carols for the holiday service.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily musical, "descant on" can be used figuratively in literary or rhetorical analysis to mean "to comment at length upon" or "to elaborate on a theme." However, this is an extended, less common usage.
  • The essay descants on the central paradox of the novel.

Variants and Related Words

• Descant (noun): The independent melodic line itself.
  • She sang a beautiful descant.
• Descant (verb): Can be used intransitively, often followed by "upon," meaning to discourse at length.
  • He descanted upon the virtues of classical education. (Note: This is a different, though related, usage focusing on speech/writing rather than music.)

Synonyms

• Ornament: To decorate a melody with additional notes.
• Embellish: To make a melody more interesting by adding extra details or flourishes.
• Variation: A more general term for a changed version of a theme.

Related Phrases

• To sing a descant: This is a more common phrasing with the same meaning as "descant on."
  • Can you sing a descant on this part?

Verb

1. sing a descant on a main tune or melody