In organum, which term denotes the original chant notated on top?

• A. Vox Principalis
• B. Vox Organalis
• C. Organum
• D. Minnesinger

Answer: (A)

In organum the melodic fabric centers on a fixed chant that serves as the basis for accompanying lines. This primary melodic line is called the Vox Principalis, the main voice that carries the original chant. When the question notes the original chant notated on top, it identifies the top line as the Vox Principalis because it is the principal, defining melody that the other voice—the Vox Organalis—moves against. The Vox Organalis is the added, complementary line that creates the intervallic harmony with the cantus firmus.

Organum, the genre, refers to the overall polyphonic technique, not a specific voice, while Minnesinger is a later, unrelated medieval musician. So the top, original chant in this context is best described as Vox Principalis.