Frottole

Part of speech: INVALID

Definitions

1. A type of Italian popular song from the late Middle Ages, often characterized by its light and playful melodies
2. A musical form known for its strophic structure, where verses are repeated with variations in lyrical content
3. A genre of early Renaissance music that combines playful themes with a blend of folk and courtly styles

Etymology: "Frottole" is the plural of "frottola", a word borrowed from Italian, where it meant a trifle, a silly tale, or a nonsensical bit of talk. The Italian word carried that sense of light, foolish chatter long before it named any kind of music, and the musical usage took it over in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, when Italian composers began setting such verses to simple songs for several voices. The name describes the music's construction as much as its tone. Verses were sung to the same tune again and again, with each repetition bringing fresh lyrics, so the frivolity of the word and the repetitive structure of the form fit together neatly.