round
A type of canon where each voice sings the same melody starting at different times.
In Depth
A round is the simplest form of canon — every voice sings exactly the same melody but starts at staggered intervals. When the first voice reaches a certain point, the second voice begins from the start, and so on. The melodies are designed to create pleasing harmony when overlapped.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Frère Jacques are the most famous rounds. Despite their simplicity, rounds demonstrate the fundamental principle of counterpoint: independent melodic lines combining to create harmony. Rounds have been used as educational tools for centuries, teaching children about part-singing and listening skills.
Sumer Is Icumen In, written around 1260, is the oldest known round in English — and it includes a surprisingly explicit verse about a bull breaking wind that is usually omitted from performances.