Cantus

"Cantus" is a Latin term meaning "song" or "chant," often used to refer to early Gregorian chant or plainchant in medieval Christian tradition. It describes a form of monophonic (single melody line) vocal music that is characterized by its free-flowing, unaccompanied singing, primarily used in religious services. Cantus played a vital role in shaping Western liturgical music, emphasizing spiritual reflection through its meditative and musical simplicity. The term can also relate to structured melodic lines or the main melody in a polyphonic composition. Overall, cantus embodies the foundational melodic element in many traditional sacred music practices.