Madrigal vs. Motet — What's the Difference?

A madrigal is a secular vocal music composition of the Renaissance (15th–16th c.) and early Baroque (1600–1750) eras. The polyphonic madrigal is unaccompanied, and the number of voices varies from two to eight, but usually features three to six voices, whilst the metre of the madrigal varies between two or three tercets, followed by one or two couplets.

In Western classical music, a motet is mainly a vocal musical composition, of highly diverse form and style, from the high medieval music to the present. The motet was one of the pre-eminent polyphonic forms of Renaissance music.

A song for two or three unaccompanied voices, developed in Italy in the late 1200s and early 1300s.

A polyphonic composition based on a sacred text and usually sung without accompaniment.

A short poem, often about love, suitable for being set to music.

A composition adapted to sacred words in the elaborate polyphonic church style; an anthem.

A polyphonic song using a vernacular text and written for four to six voices, developed in Italy in the 16th century and popular in England in the 1500s and early 1600s.

A composition adapted to sacred words in the elaborate polyphonic church style; an anthem.

A part song.

An unaccompanied choral composition with sacred lyrics; intended to be sung as part of a church service; originated in the 13th century

(music) A song for a small number of unaccompanied voices; from 13th century Italy.

(music) A polyphonic song for about six voices, from 16th century Italy.

(poetry) A short poem, often pastoral, and suitable to be set to music.

A little amorous poem, sometimes called a pastoral poem, containing some tender and delicate, though simple, thought.

An unaccompanied polyphonic song, in four, five, or more parts, set to secular words, but full of counterpoint and imitation, and adhering to the old church modes. Unlike the freer glee, it is best sung with several voices on a part. See Glee.

An unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form

Sing madrigals;