Definition

Verb (transitive) To compose or adapt a musical score to accompany a specific text, poem, or set of lyrics. The process involves creating a melody, harmony, and rhythm for pre-existing words.

Usage

The verb "set to music" is used to describe the specific act of creating music for a text. It is typically followed by the object (the text) that receives the music. * The composer's job was to set the poet's verses to music. * Many of Shakespeare's sonnets have been set to music by various artists.

Examples

• The folk singer set the ancient ballad to a new, haunting melody.
• He set her heartfelt letter to music, turning it into a beautiful song.
• The challenge was to set the complex legal text to music for a satirical performance.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: The phrase is very commonly used in the passive voice to describe the state of a text.
  • The poem has been set to music numerous times.
  • Her latest collection of lyrics is just waiting to be set to music.

Variants and Related Words

• Musical Setting (n.): The musical composition created for a text. "The composer's of the poem is particularly moving."
• Compose (v.): A more general term for writing music. "She a symphony."
• Score (v.): To compose or arrange music for a film, play, etc. "He the entire documentary."

Synonyms

• Compose music for
• Write music to accompany
• Provide a musical setting for

Related Phrases

• Set to music does not have phrasal verb variations. It functions as a fixed verbal phrase.

Related Idioms

• No specific idioms are directly derived from "set to music." The phrase itself is a technical description of a creative process.

Verb

1. write (music) for (a text)