madrigal in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of madrigal A madrigal is a sectional vocal composition for two or more voices, typically with instruments, that originated in the Middle Ages in Italy. Madrigals originated in the 14th and 15th centuries and were popular from the end of the 16th century through the first half of the 17th century.

During the Renaissance, madrigals became popular in Italy, employing musical techniques such as imitation, and were typically set to love poems. Later in the 16th century, madrigals spread throughout Europe and influenced vocal music in England and Germany. Madrigals generally have the following characteristics:

* Secular (non-religious) * Lyrical and emotional poetic texts * Polyphonic structure with imitation between voices* Unaccompanied (a capella) or accompanied by instruments* Typically for 3 to 6 voice parts

In summary, a **madrigal is a short polyphonic vocal composition, typically set to a short poem, usually with a love theme, and originating in the Italian Renaissance**. Madrigals became popular during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods among composers like Monteverdi , Gesualdo and Marenzio.

A vocal music form that flourished in the Renaissance, originating in Italy. The madrigal is generally written for four to six voices that may or may not be accompanied. In modern performance madrigals are usually presented a cappella. Madrigals are usually set to short love poems, though the words are occasionally about death, war, etc. They were extremely popular in England and Italy, and also produced in France, Germany, and a few in Spain. The madrigal is characterized by word painting and harmonic and rhythmic contrast. In the madrigal, each line has its own tune, rather than the entire composition having a single tune with harmonic accompaniment.