madrigal

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

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

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 part song.

A medieval poem or song, amorous, pastoral, or descriptive. The distinguishing characteristics of the madrigal are now hard to determine.

In music

A musical setting of such a poem.

A glee or partsong in general, irrespective of contrapuntal qualities.