melisma
One syllable, many
Melisma is a musical technique of singing multiple notes on a single syllable, stretching one vowel sound across a run of pitches.
Common in gospel, R&B, and operatic singing: She added a melisma to the final note of the verse.
The adjective is melismatic.
Plural: melismas or melismata.
Elaborate vocal ornamentation
- rouladeFilled roll, savory or sweet
- vocal runExtended melodic passage sung
- ornamentationDecorative additions to something
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
flourish · passage · portamento · glissando · trill · turn · mordent · grace note
Highest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- altoLower female voice
- mezzo-sopranoMedium female singing voice
- countertenorHigh-voiced male singer
baritone · bass · falsetto · vibrato · timbre · register · range · diva
Sacred choral tradition
- R&BSoulful pop genre
- soulInnermost animating essence
- bluesMournful American music genre
- flamencoRhythmic Spanish dance style
fado · opera · aria · bel canto · Mariah Carey · Whitney Houston · Aretha Franklin · Stevie Wonder
Monophonic Catholic liturgical music
- plainchantUnaccompanied liturgical melody
- alleluiaSacred exclamation of worship
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
- psalmSacred scriptural song
antiphon · liturgical · hymn · cantor · introit · mass · motet · Hildegard
Complex psychological state
- soulfulnessDeep emotional expressiveness
- passionIntense emotional drive
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
- intensityStrength or force level
lyricism · pathos · eloquence · expressivity · feeling · depth · nuance · sensibility
coloratura
Elaborate vocal ornamentation
- rouladeFilled roll, savory or sweet
- vocal runExtended melodic passage sung
- ornamentationDecorative additions to something
embellishment · flourish · passage · portamento · glissando · trill · turn · mordent · grace note · divisions
soprano
Highest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- altoLower female voice
- mezzo-sopranoMedium female singing voice
countertenor · baritone · bass · falsetto · vibrato · timbre · register · range · diva · vocalist
gospel
Sacred choral tradition
flamenco · fado · opera · aria · bel canto · Mariah Carey · Whitney Houston · Aretha Franklin · Stevie Wonder · raga
Gregorian chant
Monophonic Catholic liturgical music
- plainchantUnaccompanied liturgical melody
- alleluiaSacred exclamation of worship
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
psalm · antiphon · liturgical · hymn · cantor · introit · mass · motet · Hildegard · choral
emotion
Complex psychological state
- soulfulnessDeep emotional expressiveness
- passionIntense emotional drive
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
intensity · lyricism · pathos · eloquence · expressivity · feeling · depth · nuance · sensibility · devotion
melismasyllabic
Of speech segments
recitative · monotone · chant · plainchant