term for multiple words on same note?

[quantum]

What is the term for using multiple words on a single note?  Referring to vocal music. 

Not talking about recitation tone, but when you need to fit text within metrical phrases.  I see this more in non English text, such as Italian or Portuguese. 

[timothy42b]

I call it chant.  There are several varieties:  Anglican, Gregorian, plainsong, etc. 

[counterpoint]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melisma

but that's several notes on one syllable.

I think, severable words on one note is called Rap 

[quantum]

It would be sort of the opposite of a melisma. 

[timothy42b]

It would be sort of the opposite of a melisma. 

We do this every Sunday in  one of the services I play for.

The psalm is sung by the cantor, I pay careful attention to the words and change chords when they get to the right spot, often the last accented syllable of the line.  Essentially they try for speech rhythm rather than steady eighth notes.  At least I do when I sing the part. 

Is that what you're talking about, or is there something different?

[quantum]

I believe you are talking about psalm tones.  I'm talking about something different, I'll try to post examples.

[wotgoplunk]

I think I know what you mean.

If you listen to this (E Lucevan Le Stelle) you'll hear him sing two words on one note at points.

Especially noticeable around 2:07.

Not sure what the term for that would be though. I'd post a screencap of the score if I knew how.

[mattgreenecomposer]

What your talking about is Syllabic, vs. neumatic vs. melismatic!  All used in early forms of chant but still used today.



Hope that helps.