antiphony

noun

Pronunciation: /ænˈtɪfəni/

Definition

Musical performance involving the alternating singing or chanting of two separate groups.

Examples

• The ancient liturgy relied heavily on antiphony to engage the congregation in the service.

• Modern composers sometimes use antiphony to create a sense of space and movement within a concert hall.

• The haunting antiphony between the two choirs filled the stone walls of the chapel.

Synonyms of antiphony

Words with a similar meaning to antiphony:

• call and response
• alternation
• responsory
• antiphonal singing

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary