antiphonic
Back and forth
Antiphonic describes sound that alternates between two groups or sources, like a call and response.
The term comes from church music, where choirs on opposite sides would sing back and forth: The antiphonic chanting echoed through the cathedral.
The effect can be solemn or dramatic, with voices or instruments trading phrases across space.
Quick to react
- alternatingOccurring in turns
- call-and-responseAlternating musical exchange
- choristersChurch ensemble members
- cantorLiturgical music leader
precentor · versicle · response · psalmody · chanting · congregational · divided · answering
Simultaneous independent melodic lines
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- canonAccepted authoritative works
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
- anthemOfficial song of praise
chant · refrain · verse · round · fugue · madrigal · composition · harmonic
Evening devotional service
- matinsLiturgical dawn devotions
- complineDay's final liturgy
- laudsExpresses high admiration
- canonicalAccepted as standard
hours · breviary · psalms · litany · canticle · lectionary · gradual · introit
Sequential interchange of elements
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- mirroringReproducing an image identically
opposition · duality · balance · interweaving · juxtaposition · contrast · parallel · reciprocity
responsive
Quick to react
- alternatingOccurring in turns
- call-and-responseAlternating musical exchange
- choristersChurch ensemble members
cantor · precentor · versicle · response · psalmody · chanting · congregational · divided · answering · echo
polyphony
Simultaneous independent melodic lines
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- canonAccepted authoritative works
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
anthem · chant · refrain · verse · round · fugue · madrigal · composition · harmonic · melodic
vespers
Evening devotional service
canonical · hours · breviary · psalms · litany · canticle · lectionary · gradual · introit · ecclesiastical
alternation
Sequential interchange of elements
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
mirroring · opposition · duality · balance · interweaving · juxtaposition · contrast · parallel · reciprocity · complementary
antiphonicunison
Simultaneous identical action
in unison · homophonic · monophonic · tutti · synchronized