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Melisma

Sound
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A vocal technique in sung poetry where a single syllable is extended over multiple notes, enhancing expressiveness and melodic ornamentation.

Detailed Definition
Melisma in poetry refers to the extension of a single syllable or word over multiple notes or rhythmic units, often in sung or chant-like verse; though primarily musical, it influences lyrical poetry through elongated vowels, cascading alliteration, or syntactic suspension that mimics vocal ornamentation.
Example
Example in poetry:
Melisma in Gregorian chant: one syllable stretched over many notes; In gospel poetry, melisma appears in elongated vowels: “Freeeeedom”; Sappho’s fragments suggest melismatic performance; Contemporary spoken word uses melisma for emotional emphasis; Melisma turns language into song through vocal extension
Additional Notes
Single syllable sung to multiple notes in music/poetry. Related: melismatic singing, musical prosody. In poetry, suggests elongated vowel sounds or multiple beats on one syllable creating lyrical, song-like quality.
Also Known As
extended syllable musical prolongation
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