In organum, which term refers to the voice that carries the original chant?

In organum, which term refers to the voice that carries the original chant?

• A. Vox Principalis
• B. Vox Organalis
• C. Organum
• D. Diabolus in Musica

Answer: (A)

In organum, the voice that carries the original chant is called the vox principalis, the principal voice. This line holds the chant melody as the foundation of the texture, while a second voice—the vox organalis—moves against it to provide the accompanying layers. The term organum describes the overall polyphonic style, and Diabolus in Musica refers to the tritone interval sometimes heard in medieval polyphony, not to a specific voice. So, the chant’s melody is carried by the principal voice, Vox Principalis.

In organum, the voice that carries the original chant is called the vox principalis, the principal voice. This line holds the chant melody as the foundation of the texture, while a second voice—the vox organalis—moves against it to provide the accompanying layers. The term organum describes the overall polyphonic style, and Diabolus in Musica refers to the tritone interval sometimes heard in medieval polyphony, not to a specific voice. So, the chant’s melody is carried by the principal voice, Vox Principalis.