Madrigale

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of secular vocal music composition originating from the Renaissance, typically featuring multiple voices and a focus on poetic text
2. A form of lyrical music characterized by its intricate harmonies and often performed in a choral setting, emphasizing human emotions
3. A musical work from the late Middle Ages to the early Baroque period, known for its expressive depth and polyphonic texture among several singers

Etymology: The origin of the Italian "madrigale" is uncertain. One proposal links it to the Medieval Latin "matricalis," roughly "of the mother tongue," which would suggest songs in the vernacular rather than Latin. Another connects it to "mandria," a herd or flock, but neither explanation is settled. The term came to name a genre of secular songs rather than a single fixed form. Its defining feature was texture. Several voices each sang an independent line, so the parts wove together instead of simply supporting one melody. Composers set poetry closely, letting harmony and rhythm shift with the emotion of each line. English borrowed the term from Italian as "madrigal."

Synonyms: madrigal