conductus

/kənˈdʌktəs/

Definitions

1. noun

A medieval musical composition, typically a polyphonic piece with a refrain and a varying number of verses, sung to a common melody.

“The medieval choir performed a beautiful conductus during the ceremony.”

2. noun

A musical setting of a liturgical text, especially a series of Alleluias.

“The 12th-century manuscript included a beautiful conductus for a liturgical text.”

Synonyms

  • alleluia
  • liturgical chant

Antonyms

  • non-liturgical song
  • secular music