Canon vs. Round — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
A canon is a musical form where a melody is repeated and imitated after a delay, maintaining strict harmony, while a round is a simpler form of canon where the melody starts at different times but repeats continuously, creating a looping, layered effect.
Difference Between Canon and Round
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Key Differences
A canon is a musical composition that involves a melody being played and then repeated in imitation after a delay. It requires strict adherence to the original melody, creating a structured and harmonious overlapping. In contrast, a round is a type of canon where the melody is repeated cyclically. While the structure is less strict, it still provides harmonized layers as each voice joins in succession.
A canon usually features greater complexity because it requires precise imitation of the melody, making each subsequent voice follow the same musical path. On the other hand, a round is typically simpler, often intended for vocal groups, where each voice repeats the same melody, but they begin at different points.
In a canon, the melody can be inverted, transposed, or retrograded, offering diverse variations. Meanwhile, a round typically maintains the melody without inversion or significant alteration, focusing on cyclic repetition.
Canons are often composed for instrumental or vocal ensembles, giving room for intricate variations and thematic development. Rounds, however, are traditionally vocal, inviting group participation and enjoyment in a communal setting.
Comparison Chart
Structure
Complex, strict imitation
Simple, repeated melodic loops
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Melodic Variations
Inversions, retrogrades, transpositions
Typically none, maintains same melody
Instrumentation
Instrumental or vocal
Primarily vocal
Difficulty Level
High, due to strict adherence
Moderate, focuses on repetition
Historical Usage
Formal, classical compositions
Folk music, children's songs
Compare with Definitions
Canon
A musical form involving imitation of a melody.
The ensemble played a canon that intricately wove melodies together.
Round
A musical form where a melody is repeated cyclically by different groups.
The choir sang a simple round, each voice joining in succession.
Canon
A body of work recognized as authoritative.
Shakespeare's plays are part of the English literary canon.
Round
A complete circuit or rotation.
They played another round of golf to improve their scores.
Canon
An ecclesiastical rule or law.
The canon law was strictly followed by the clergy.
Round
A sequence of events or activities.
The morning round at the hospital took longer than expected.
Canon
A type of contrapuntal composition in music.
Pachelbel's Canon is a popular classical piece.
Round
A series of drinks ordered for a group.
He bought a round for the whole table to celebrate the victory.
Canon
An official set of principles or rules.
The literary canon defines the most significant works of the time.
Round
A bullet or ammunition.
They loaded another round into the rifle.
Canon
Archaic spelling of canyon
Round
Being such that every part of the surface or the circumference is equidistant from the center
A round ball.
Canon
An ecclesiastical law or code of laws established by a church council.
Round
Moving in or forming a circle.
Canon
A secular law, rule, or code of law.
Round
Shaped like a cylinder; cylindrical.
Canon
An established principle
The canons of polite society.
Round
Rather rounded in shape
The child's round face.
Canon
A basis for judgment; a standard or criterion.
Round
Full in physique; plump
A round figure.
Canon
The books of the Bible officially accepted as Holy Scripture.
Round
(Linguistics) Formed or articulated with the lips in a rounded shape
A round vowel.
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field
"the durable canon of American short fiction" (William Styron).
Round
Full in tone; sonorous.
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic
The entire Shakespeare canon.
Round
Whole or complete; full
A round dozen.
Canon
Material considered to be officially part of a fictional universe or considered to fit within the history established by a fictional universe
"The Harry Potter series was one of the first pieces of media to inspire widespread fan fiction writing, probably because its popularity coincided with the early days of the Internet, but its creator has also shown herself more than willing to keep updating the canon" (Emma Cueto).
Round
(Mathematics) Having been rounded.
Canon
Canon The part of the Mass beginning after the Preface and Sanctus and ending just before the Lord's Prayer.
Round
Not exact, especially when expressed as a multiple of 10; approximate
A round estimate.
Canon
The calendar of saints accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Round
Large; considerable
A round sum of money.
Canon
(Music) A composition or passage in which a melody is imitated by one or more voices at fixed intervals of pitch and time.
Round
Brought to satisfactory conclusion or completion; finished.
Canon
A member of a chapter of priests serving in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Round
Outspoken; blunt
A round scolding.
Canon
A member of certain religious communities living under a common rule and bound by vows.
Round
Done with full force; unrestrained
Gave me a round thrashing.
Canon
Variant of canyon.
Round
Something, such as a circle, disk, globe, or ring, that is round.
Canon
A generally accepted principle; a rule.
The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.
Round
A circle formed of various things.
Canon
A formally codified set of criteria deemed mandatory for a particular artistic style of figurative art.
The Canon of Polykleitos
Round
Movement around a circle or about an axis.
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
Round
A rung or crossbar, as one on a ladder or chair.
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
The entire Shakespearean canon
Round
A cut of beef from the part of the thigh between the rump and the shank.
Canon
A eucharistic prayer, particularly the Roman Canon.
Round
An assembly of people; a group.
Canon
A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
We must proceed according to canon law.
Round
A round dance.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Round
A complete course, succession, or series
A round of parties.
A round of negotiations.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Round
Often rounds A course of customary or prescribed actions, duties, or places
Physicians' rounds.
Canon
A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times; a round.
Pachelbel’s Canon has become very popular.
Round
A complete range or extent.
Canon
(Roman law) A rent or stipend payable at some regular time, generally annual, e.g., canon frumentarius
Round
One drink for each person in a gathering or group
Let me buy the next round.
Canon
Those sources, especially including literary works, which are considered part of the main continuity regarding a given fictional universe.
A spin-off book series revealed the aliens to be originally from Earth, but it's not canon.
Round
A single outburst, as of applause or cheering.
Canon
(cookery) A rolled and filleted loin of meat; also called a cannon.
A canon of beef or lamb
Round
A single shot or volley.
Canon
A large size of type formerly used for printing the church canons, standardized as 48-point.
Round
Ammunition for a single shot or volley.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; the ear or shank of a bell.
Round
A specified number of arrows shot from a specified distance to a target in archery.
Canon
A clergy member serving a cathedral or collegiate church.
Round
Sports & Games A unit of play that occupies a specified time, constitutes a certain number of plays, or allows each player a turn, especially the 18-hole sequence played in golf or one of the periods in a boxing match.
Canon
A canon regular, a member of any of several Roman Catholic religious orders.
Round
(Music) A composition for two or more voices in which each voice enters at a different time with the same melody.
Canon
A law or rule.
Or that the Everlasting had not fixedHis canon 'gainst self-slaughter.
Round
To make round or curved
Rounded his lips in surprise.
Rounded off the end of the board.
Canon
A law, or rule of doctrine or discipline, enacted by a council and confirmed by the pope or the sovereign; a decision, regulation, code, or constitution made by ecclesiastical authority.
Various canons which were made in councils held in the second centry.
Round
(Linguistics) To pronounce with rounded lips; labialize.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Round
To fill out; make plump.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Round
To bring to completion or perfection; finish. Often used with out or off
The new dog rounded out our household. The speaker rounded off his lecture with a joke.
Canon
A member of a cathedral chapter; a person who possesses a prebend in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Round
(Mathematics) To approximate (a real number) by a nearby rational number with a specified level of precision. When rounded to the nearest hundred, 286 becomes 300. When rounded to the nearest tenth, 1.63 becomes 1.6.
Canon
A musical composition in which the voices begin one after another, at regular intervals, successively taking up the same subject. It either winds up with a coda (tailpiece), or, as each voice finishes, commences anew, thus forming a perpetual fugue or round. It is the strictest form of imitation. See Imitation.
Round
To make a turn about or to the other side of
Rounded a bend in the road.
Canon
The largest size of type having a specific name; - so called from having been used for printing the canons of the church.
Round
To make a complete circuit of; go or pass around
Rounded the entire peninsula.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; - called also ear and shank.
Round
(Archaic) To encompass; surround:
Canon
See Carom.
Round
To become round or curved.
Canon
A deep gorge, ravine, or gulch, between high and steep banks, worn by water courses.
Round
To take a circular course; complete or partially complete a circuit
Racecars rounding into the final lap.
Canon
A rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy;
The neoclassical canon
Canons of polite society
Round
To turn about, as on an axis
Rounded and came back across the field.
Canon
A priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter
Round
To become filled out or plump.
Canon
A ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
Round
To develop into satisfactory completion or perfection
Is rounding into a fine quarterback.
Canon
A contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts
Round
To whisper.
Canon
A complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church
Round
In a circular progression or movement; around.
Canon
A collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired
Round
With revolutions
Wheels moving round.
Round
To a specific place or person
Called round for the pastor.
Sent round for the veterinarian.
Round
Around.
Round
From the beginning to the end of; throughout
A plant that grows round the year.
Round
(physical) Of shape:
Round
Circular or cylindrical; having a circular cross-section in one direction.
We sat at a round table to make conversation easier.
Round
Spherical; shaped like a ball; having a circular cross-section in more than one direction.
The ancient Egyptian demonstrated that the Earth is round, not flat.
Round
Lacking sharp angles; having gentle curves.
Our child's bed has round corners for safety.
Round
Plump.
Round
Complete, whole, not lacking.
The baker sold us a round dozen.
Round
(of a number) Convenient for rounding other numbers to; for example, ending in a zero.
One hundred is a nice round number.
Round
(phonetics) Pronounced with the lips drawn together; rounded.
Round
Outspoken; plain and direct; unreserved; not mincing.
A round answer; a round oath
Round
Finished; polished; not defective or abrupt; said of authors or their writing style.
Round
Consistent; fair; just; applied to conduct.
Round
Large in magnitude.
Round
Well-written and well-characterized; complex and reminiscent of a real person.
Round
(architecture) Vaulted.
Round
A circular or spherical object or part of an object.
Round
A circular or repetitious route.
Hospital rounds
The prison guards have started their nightly rounds.
Round
A general outburst from a group of people at an event.
The candidate got a round of applause after every sentence or two.
Round
A song that is sung by groups of people with each subset of people starting at a different time.
Round
A serving of something; a portion of something to each person in a group.
They brought us a round of drinks about every thirty minutes.
Round
A single individual portion or dose of medicine.
Round
One sandwich (two full slices of bread with filling).
Round
(art) A long-bristled, circular-headed paintbrush used in oil and acrylic painting.
Round
A firearm cartridge, bullet, or any individual ammunition projectile. Originally referring to the spherical projectile ball of a smoothbore firearm. Compare round shot and solid shot.
Round
(sports) One of the specified pre-determined segments of the total time of a sport event, such as a boxing or wrestling match, during which contestants compete before being signaled to stop.
Round
A stage, level, set of events in a game
Round
(sports) A stage in a competition.
Qualifying rounds of the championship
Round
(sports) In some sports, e.g. golf or showjumping: one complete way around the course.
Round
(video games) A stage or level of a game.
Round
(cards) The play after each deal.
Round
A rounded relief or cut at an edge, especially an outside edge, added for a finished appearance and to soften sharp edges.
Round
A strip of material with a circular face that covers an edge, gap, or crevice for decorative, sanitary, or security purposes.
All furniture in the nursery had rounds on the edges and in the crevices.
Round
(butchery) The hindquarters of a bovine.
Round
(dated) A rung, as of a ladder.
Round
A crosspiece that joins and braces the legs of a chair.
Round
A series of changes or events ending where it began; a series of like events recurring in continuance; a cycle; a periodical revolution.
The round of the seasons
A round of pleasures
Round
A course of action or conduct performed by a number of persons in turn, or one after another, as if seated in a circle.
Round
A series of duties or tasks which must be performed in turn, and then repeated.
Round
A circular dance.
Round
Rotation, as in office; succession.
Round
A general discharge of firearms by a body of troops in which each soldier fires once.
Round
An assembly; a group; a circle.
A round of politicians
Round
A brewer's vessel in which the fermentation is concluded, the yeast escaping through the bunghole.
Round
(archaic) A vessel filled, as for drinking.
Round
(nautical) A round-top.
Round
A round of beef.
Round
A whisper; whispering.
Round
Discourse; song.
Round
Alternative form of around
I look round the room quickly to make sure it's neat.
Round
Alternative form of around
Round
(transitive) To shape something into a curve.
The carpenter rounded the edges of the table.
Round
(intransitive) To become shaped into a curve.
Round
(with "out") To finish; to complete; to fill out.
She rounded out her education with only a single mathematics class.
Round
(intransitive) To approximate a number, especially a decimal number by the closest whole number.
Ninety-five rounds up to one hundred.
Round
(transitive) To turn past a boundary.
Helen watched him until he rounded the corner.
Round
(intransitive) To turn and attack someone or something (used with on).
As a group of policemen went past him, one of them rounded on him, grabbing him by the arm.
Round
To advance to home plate.
And the runners round the bases on the double by Jones.
Round
(transitive) To go round, pass, go past.
Round
To encircle; to encompass.
Round
To grow round or full; hence, to attain to fullness, completeness, or perfection.
Round
To do ward rounds.
Round
To go round, as a guard; to make the rounds.
Round
To go or turn round; to wheel about.
Round
To speak in a low tone; whisper; speak secretly; take counsel.
Round
To address or speak to in a whisper, utter in a whisper.
Round
To whisper.
The Bishop of Glasgow rounding in his ear, "Ye are not a wise man," . . . he rounded likewise to the bishop, and said, "Wherefore brought ye me here?"
Round
To make circular, spherical, or cylindrical; to give a round or convex figure to; as, to round a silver coin; to round the edges of anything.
Worms with many feet, which round themselves into balls, are bred chiefly under logs of timber.
The figures on our modern medals are raised and rounded to a very great perfection.
Round
To surround; to encircle; to encompass.
The inclusive vergeOf golden metal that must round my brow.
Round
To bring to fullness or completeness; to complete; hence, to bring to a fit conclusion.
We are such stuffAs dreams are made on, and our little lifeIs rounded with a sleep.
Round
To go round wholly or in part; to go about (a corner or point); as, to round a corner; to round Cape Horn.
Round
To make full, smooth, and flowing; as, to round periods in writing.
Round
To grow round or full; hence, to attain to fullness, completeness, or perfection.
The queen your mother rounds apace.
So rounds he to a separate mind,From whence clear memory may begin.
Round
To go round, as a guard.
They . . . nightly rounding walk.
Round
To go or turn round; to wheel about.
Round
Having every portion of the surface or of the circumference equally distant from the center; spherical; circular; having a form approaching a spherical or a circular shape; orbicular; globular; as, a round ball.
Upon the firm opacous globeOf this round world.
Round
Having the form of a cylinder; cylindrical; as, the barrel of a musket is round.
Round
Having a curved outline or form; especially, one like the arc of a circle or an ellipse, or a portion of the surface of a sphere; rotund; bulging; protuberant; not angular or pointed; as, a round arch; round hills.
Round
Full; complete; not broken; not fractional; approximately in even units, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.; - said of numbers.
Pliny put a round number near the truth, rather than the fraction.
Round
Not inconsiderable; large; hence, generous; free; as, a round price.
Three thousand ducats; 'tis a good round sum.
Round was their pace at first, but slackened soon.
Round
Uttered or emitted with a full tone; as, a round voice; a round note.
Round
Modified, as a vowel, by contraction of the lip opening, making the opening more or less round in shape; rounded; labialized; labial. See Guide to Pronunciation, 11.
Round
Outspoken; plain and direct; unreserved; unqualified; not mincing; as, a round answer; a round oath.
Sir Toby, I must be round with you.
Round
Full and smoothly expanded; not defective or abrupt; finished; polished; - said of style, or of authors with reference to their style.
In his satires Horace is quick, round, and pleasant.
Round
Complete and consistent; fair; just; - applied to conduct.
Round dealing is the honor of man's nature.
Round
Anything round, as a circle, a globe, a ring. "The golden round" [the crown].
In labyrinth of many a round self-rolled.
Round
A series of changes or events ending where it began; a series of like events recurring in continuance; a cycle; a periodical revolution; as, the round of the seasons; a round of pleasures.
Round
A course ending where it began; a circuit; a beat; especially, one freguently or regulary traversed; also, the act of traversing a circuit; as, a watchman's round; the rounds of the postman.
Round
A series of duties or tasks which must be performed in turn, and then repeated.
The trivial round, the common task.
Round
One work cycle, consisting of drilling blast holes, loading them with explosive, blasting, mucking out, and, if necessary, installing temporary support.
. . . Inco is still much more advanced than other mining companies. He says that the LKAB mine in Sweden is the closest rival. He predicts that, by 2008, Inco can reach a new productivity plateau, doubling the current mining productivity from 3,350 tonnes to 6,350 tonnes per person per year. Another aim is to triple the mine cycle rate (the time to drill, blast and muck a round) from one cycle to three complete cycles per 24 hours.
Round
A course of action or conduct performed by a number of persons in turn, or one after another, as if seated in a circle.
Women to cards may be compared: we playA round or two; which used, we throw away.
The feast was served; the bowl was crowned;To the king's pleasure went the mirthful round.
Round
A complete set of plays in a game or contest covering a standard number of individual plays or parts; as, a round of golf; a round of tennis.
Round
One set of games in a tournament.
Round
The time during which prize fighters or boxers are in actual contest without an intermission, as prescribed by their rules; a bout.
Round
A circular dance.
Come, knit hands, and beat the ground,In a light fantastic round.
Round
That which goes round a whole circle or company; as, a round of applause.
Round
Rotation, as in office; succession.
Round
The step of a ladder; a rundle or rung; also, a crosspiece which joins and braces the legs of a chair.
All the rounds like Jacob's ladder rise.
Round
A walk performed by a guard or an officer round the rampart of a garrison, or among sentinels, to see that the sentinels are faithful and all things safe; also, the guard or officer, with his attendants, who performs this duty; - usually in the plural.
Round
A short vocal piece, resembling a catch in which three or four voices follow each other round in a species of canon in the unison.
Round
A brewer's vessel in which the fermentation is concluded, the yeast escaping through the bunghole.
Round
A vessel filled, as for drinking; as, to drink a round od ale together.
Round
An assembly; a group; a circle; as, a round of politicians.
Round
See Roundtop.
Round
Same as Round of beef, below.
Worm-eaten gentlemen of the round, such as have vowed to sit on the skirts of the city, let your provost and his half dozen of halberdiers do what they can.
Round
On all sides; around.
Round he throws his baleful eyes.
Round
Circularly; in a circular form or manner; by revolving or reversing one's position; as, to turn one's head round; a wheel turns round.
Round
In circumference; as, a ball is ten inches round.
Round
From one side or party to another; as to come or turn round, - that is, to change sides or opinions.
Round
By or in a circuit; by a course longer than the direct course; back to the starting point.
Round
Through a circle, as of friends or houses.
The invitations were sent round accordingly.
Round
Roundly; fully; vigorously.
Round
On every side of, so as to encompass or encircle; around; about; as, the people atood round him; to go round the city; to wind a cable round a windlass.
The serpent Error twines round human hearts.
Round
A charge of ammunition for a single shot
Round
An interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs;
The neverending cycle of the seasons
Round
A regular route for a sentry or policeman;
In the old days a policeman walked a beat and knew all his people by name
Round
(often plural) a series of professional calls (usually in a set order);
The doctor goes on his rounds first thing every morning
The postman's rounds
We enjoyed our round of the local bars
Round
The activity of playing 18 holes of golf;
A round of golf takes about 4 hours
Round
The usual activities in your day;
The doctor made his rounds
Round
(sports) a period of play during which one team is on the offensive
Round
The course along which communications spread;
The story is going the rounds in Washington
Round
A serving to each of a group (usually alcoholic);
He ordered a second round
Round
A cut of beef between the rump and the lower leg
Round
A partsong in which voices follow each other; one voice starts and others join in one after another until all are singing different parts of the song at the same time;
They enjoyed singing rounds
Round
An outburst of applause;
There was a round of applause
Round
A crosspiece between the legs of a chair
Round
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
Round
Wind around; move along a circular course;
Round the bend
Round
Make round;
Round the edges
Round
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Round
Pronounce with rounded lips
Round
Attack in speech or writing;
The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker
Round
Bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state;
Polish your social manners
Round
Express as a round number;
Round off the amount
Round
Become round, plump, or shapely;
The young woman is fleshing out
Round
Having a circular shape
Round
(of sounds) full and rich;
Orotund tones
The rotund and reverberating phrase
Pear-shaped vowels
Round
(of numbers) to the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand;
In round numbers
Round
From beginning to end; throughout;
It rains all year round on Skye
Frigid weather the year around
Common Curiosities
Do canons always involve strict imitation?
Yes, canons are defined by precise imitation, but can include creative variations like inversion and transposition.
Why are rounds popular in vocal music?
Their simplicity and cyclical nature make them accessible for group participation.
What makes a canon unique as a musical form?
A canon involves strict imitation of a melody across different voices, often including inversions and retrogrades.
How does a round differ from a canon?
A round is a simpler type of canon where each voice repeats the same melody cyclically but starts at different times.
Can a round be considered a type of canon?
Yes, a round is a specific type of canon characterized by its cyclical and continuous melodic repetition.
Can instrumental music be composed in the form of a canon?
Absolutely, many classical and contemporary compositions for instruments are written as canons, showcasing the technical skill of the musicians.
What is the historical origin of the canon in music?
Canons have roots in medieval music, evolving through Renaissance polyphony to become a staple in both secular and sacred music compositions.
What is the main emotional effect of a canon in a musical composition?
A canon can create intricate layers of sound that build tension, resolution, and dramatic flair within a musical piece.
How do performers keep track of their entries in a round?
Performers must listen carefully to each other and often rely on visual cues or conductor instructions to ensure correct entries in a round.
Is it possible to vary the melody in a round?
Typically, no. The melody remains consistent in a round to maintain its looping structure.
Do canons have to follow a specific tempo or rhythm?
While canons must maintain consistent melodic imitation, they can vary in tempo and rhythm, depending on the composer's intentions.
What are common uses of rounds in music education?
Rounds are often used in music education to teach harmony, rhythm, and ensemble singing due to their simple and inclusive structure.
What is the role of repetition in the structure of a round?
Repetition in a round serves to create a continuous, harmonious overlay of voices, enhancing the communal and immersive experience of the music.
How does the complexity of a canon affect its performance?
The complexity of a canon, such as the inclusion of inversions or retrogrades, requires high precision and coordination among musicians, making its performance challenging.
Are there famous songs or pieces that are examples of rounds?
Yes, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and "Frère Jacques" are well-known examples of rounds that are familiar to many cultures.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
