Melisma

A melisma is a group of several notes sung on one syllable of text. Instead of moving to a new syllable with each note, the singer holds the vowel and carries it across a flowing run of pitches. Music that sets words this way is called melismatic. Music that gives each syllable just one note is syllabic; a few notes per syllable, as in some chant, is called neumatic.

▶Syllabic0:05▶Melismatic0:08

Melismas through history

• Chant: Gregorian chant ranges from simple syllabic settings to richly melismatic ones. The Alleluia of the Mass is famous for the long melisma on its final syllable, called the jubilus.
• Baroque music: arias and choruses often spin long, virtuosic melismas on important words, such as "glory" or "rejoice," to show off the singers and paint the meaning.
• Gospel, soul, R&B and pop: singers decorate a word with quick runs, sometimes called "riffs and runs," that have become a hallmark of these styles.
• Many other traditions, including Arabic and Indian classical singing, use extended melismatic passages.

Reading a melisma

In printed vocal music the syllable sits under the first note of the melisma. A slur (or a beam) groups the notes that share it, and a line or hyphens after the syllable show that it continues. Before the syllable changes, look for the next word under the next note.

Singing a melisma

• Keep the vowel clear and the same through every note. Avoid sneaking an "h" between the notes unless the style calls for it.
• Practice slowly on the vowel alone, then on the text, and speed up gradually.
• Plan your breath before a long melisma, not in the middle of it.

The voice worksheets Keep the Word on One Syllable. and One Word, One Sustained Vowel. practice holding a vowel steady.