place in musical composition
corresponds to one note; “melismatic” refers to a phrase or composition employing several distinct pitches for the vocalization of a single syllable.
Where did melismatic singing came from?
The vocal technique traces its roots back to Gregorian chants and the ragas of Indian classical music. In the modern era singers such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke are credited with bringing melisma from the choirs of churches to mainstream audiences.