conductus
1
9.9
- noun
- /kənˈdʌktəs/
- Specialized
- Many composers wrote conducti during the medieval period.
Examples
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Music historians study the conductus to understand medieval polyphony.
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The choir performed a 13th-century conductus at the concert.
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A conductus often features newly composed melodies rather than borrowed chants.
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The conductus was popular in the 12th century.
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The choir performed a beautiful conductus that showcased their vocal harmonies.
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Many composers in the Middle Ages wrote conductus to elevate sacred texts through music.
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In the concert, we listened to a conductus, which is a rare form of medieval vocal composition.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word conductus comes from Latin parts con- 'together' and ductus 'led', like in conduct and conductor. It was used for songs that 'lead' or bring voices together, so a conductus is a medieval choir song with Latin words, often made with new melodies rather than existing chants.