melisma

noun

me·lis·ma | \ mi-ˈliz-mə

plural melismata\ -mə-tə

Definition of melisma

1 : a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong

2 : melodic embellishment

3 : cadenza

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Examples of melisma in a Sentence

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Franklin’s four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage. — Naima Cochrane, Vox, "Aretha Franklin’s long reign as the Queen of Soul, explained in 12 performances," 16 Aug. 2018 His tonal, accessible, sometimes ravishing music combines the pulsing energy of minimalism with the sensuous melismas of ancient troubadour music and archaic dance forms. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "A gay love affair in '50s D.C. plays out to touching effect in 'Fellow Travelers'," 18 Mar. 2018 The luminosity of Christina Pecce’s soprano seems right for the otherworldly Helen; her wordless melismas at the very end are particularly effective. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Fringe Opera's bare-bones staging of 'Great God Pan' brings more spills than chills," 15 Mar. 2018 Their brisk tempos meant engaging elite musicians who could keep up during the piece’s challenging melisma runs. — Michael O’donnell, WSJ, "Review: Another Reason to Rejoice Greatly," 8 Dec. 2017 Those girls with that really soulful... [freestyles a melisma in the style of Toni Braxton] Exactly! — Patrick Crowley, Billboard, "Meet KWAYE, The Fashion-Forward Singer Who Wants to Showcase Africa's Beauty," 29 Aug. 2017 Yet the girls of 5H sell their tale of unsaid infatuation with dedicated melismas and gooey production. -- — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks," 10 July 2017 Still, the music — high-end theatrical pop adorned with melisma and other Silk Road accents — rewards the ear and is well orchestrated by the composer for a small combo including the lutelike Afghan rubab. — Jesse Green, New York Times, "Review: Tackling a Major Taboo in ‘The Boy Who Danced on Air’," 25 May 2017 Her music is all big emotions and dramatic melismas. — Leeann Duggan, Allure, "Céline Dion Poses Nude for Vogue," 5 July 2017

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