noun
motet
moh-TET/məʊˈtet/
A short sacred choral composition, usually sung without instrumental accompaniment.
The choir sings a short motet without any instrumental accompaniment.
Etymology
On the Old French analysis, mot and its diminutive ending mean “little word.” The connection to the musical sense is the sacred text sung by the choir; the source also allows a Latin diminutive origin.
More examples
- We rehearse a Renaissance motet for Sunday's service.
- The motet sets a Latin prayer to music.
- Tonight's concert includes three motets for unaccompanied voices.
Forms
motet · motets