motetus

motet, (French mot: “word”), style of vocal composition that has undergone numerous transformations through many centuries. Typically, it is a Latin religious choral composition, yet it can be a secular composition or a work for soloist(s) and instrumental accompaniment, in any language, with or without a choir.

A motet can be defined as an unaccompanied choral composition based on a sacred Latin text.

The motet represents one of the earliest forms of polyphonic choral composition in Western music. From the Medieval motet of the Middle Ages to avant-garde contemporary motets, the form has been a hallmark of classical music.

motet. noun. mo·​tet mō-ˈtet. : a form of church music to be sung by several voices usually without accompanying instruments and with several melodies woven together.

What defines a motet? A motet is an unaccompanied vocal composition that evolved from and used sacred Latin text in some form. The medieval motet borrowed the Latin chants and composed new music above them in the vernacular. The Renaissance motets were sung entirely in Latin.

Motet names consist of the first words of each voice in order from top to bottom voices. Thus, motets have names such as "Plus bele que flor / Quant revient / L'autrier joer / Flos Filius" -- since there are four very independent texts, in different languages, for four different musical voices and lines.

The most famous motet from the Classical period is Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus. In the Romantic period (19th century), Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) wrote several motets which are still very popular with choirs, both in services and at concerts.

What are the characteristics of a Renaissance motet? A Renaissance motet was a polyphonic vocal composition that used sacred text sung in Latin. Typically one voice would start the melody and other voices would enter at different points, imitating the melody at different intervals.

A motet is a piece that was sung at mass and was usually in Latin. At various times, anthems have also been composed with Latin words, and motets have similarly been composed with English words. These days, they seem to be interchangeable.

The rhythmic structure of the motet is based on the rhythmic modes, the upper parts frequently employing a quicker pattern (first, second, sixth mode) than the tenor (third, fifth mode). In the 14th century the motet lost its dominant position but grew in length, elaboration, and rhythmic variety.

moe-TAY-toos. [Latin] Medieval term for the second voice of the motet, the first voice added above the tenor. The term was also used to denote the entire composition.

A motet is a piece that was sung at mass and was usually in Latin. At various times, anthems have also been composed with Latin words, and motets have similarly been composed with English words. These days, they seem to be interchangeable.