The definition of descant is “a counter-melody above the melody.” What a dry definition for such a magnificent reality. I reached an important conclusion during a descant by the choir at the Church of the Incarnation, a few months ago. Descants are sung by the first sopranos. Under the direction of the excellent Choir Master at that Church, some hymns there have a key shift up and a new instrumental introduction, and then what was merely four-part harmony becomes five-part harmony. That top line soars and dances among the beams that hold up the roof, As regular readers know, I...