Melisma

In music, melisma is the technique of setting several notes to a single syllable of text. Music sung in this style is referred to as melismatic, as opposed to syllabic, where each syllable of text is matched to a single note. The term most commonly refers to Gregorian Chant, but may be used to describe music of any genre, including baroque singing and later gospel. Aretha Franklin is generally considered to be one of the better modern employers of the technique.

References

• Richard L. Crocker: "Melisma". Grove Music online, ed. L. Macy, accessed 27 Mar 2005.
• Internet-Encyclopedia article "Melisma"