What does recomposition mean?
Recomposition is the act of putting something together again, most often by reconstructing a musical work whose original form survives only in fragments or imperfect sources. Rather than merely copying an earlier performance, a recomposition interprets and assembles the available materials into a performable work. The term can also describe a substantial revision of an existing composition or arrangement, although this use is less specialized. In modern physical-conditioning language, recomposition means altering the body's composition, commonly by gaining or retaining muscle while reducing fat. Across these senses, the word emphasizes renewed construction rather than simple repetition. It is especially useful when describing the careful scholarly reconstruction of music or the deliberate reshaping of an existing whole.
nounThe act of composing again, especially reconstructing a musical work from surviving fragments or sources. It may also refer to revising an existing composition or, in physical conditioning, changing the proportions of fat and muscle in the body.
- The reconstruction of a musical work from surviving fragments, source materials, or a compositional sketch.
- A second act of composing, or the revision and rearrangement of an existing work.
- A change in body composition, especially one involving the loss of fat and the gain or retention of muscle.
"The ensemble will present its recomposition of the medieval mass, reconstructed from several surviving sources."
"Scholars presented their recomposition of the fragmentary medieval mass from the surviving sources."
"The training program emphasizes gradual recomposition through resistance exercise and adequate protein intake."
The plural is uncommon; the word is usually used as a singular process noun, with the plural reserved for separate acts or versions.
"The festival has presented several distinct recompositions of the same medieval sequence."
Sometimes the original score survives only in fragments, and recomposition turns musical archaeology back into music.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recomposition come from?
Recomposition was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with composition. Composition comes through French from Latin compositio, derived from Latin componere, meaning “to put together.” The underlying sense of recomposition is therefore “a renewed putting together.” Its relatives include component, composite, and composure, all of which reflect the same Latin tradition of composition and assembly.
How recomposition is actually used
The word is relatively formal and technical. In musicology, it usually implies reconstruction from documentary or fragmentary evidence; in physical conditioning, it denotes changing the relative amounts of body fat and muscle.
Easily confused with recomposition
Recomposition means putting elements together again or reconstructing a work, whereas decomposition means breaking something down into its component parts.