noun
madrigal
MAD-rih-gul/ˈmædrɪɡl/
A song for several voices singing different parts, especially in the Renaissance tradition.
The choir sings a Renaissance madrigal with four interweaving vocal parts.
Etymology
From Italian madrigale, the word denoted a short love poem suitable for music as well as a song for several voices. The Italian word's deeper origin is uncertain.
More examples
- We rehearse each part separately before singing the madrigal together.
- The concert opens with two madrigals by Italian composers.
- In this madrigal, the singers imitate the calls of birds.
Forms
madrigal · madrigals
Similar words
- part-song
- A broader term for songs with multiple vocal parts.
- motet
- Usually sets a sacred text, unlike most Renaissance madrigals.