Cantus naturalis

Cantus naturalis (from Latin cantus = song and naturalis = natural) is a term used in the medieval doctrine of hexachord and describes the vocal, later also instrumental, use of the hexachordum naturale (CDEFGA).

Labeled accordingly

• Cantus durus (from Latin durus , hard) the use of the Hexachordum durum (GAHcde).

• Cantus mollis (from Latin mollis , soft) the use of the Hexachordum molle (FGABcd).

From the last two terms, the term went Tongeschlechter major and minor forth.

swell

• Adam Gumpelzhaimer : Compendium musicae latinogermanicum . Augsburg 1595, p. 5 ( online ).

See also

• H (music)
• B durum
• B minor