Changes

The new form was first developed, partly by [[Flemish]] composers working in northern Italy, but also by the Italians themselves, as secular choral pieces, similar to the French chanson, but also taking some stylistic elements from the contemporary [[motet]]. During the rest of the 16th century, under the influence of the greatest composers of the age, the madrigal would grow and change and develop, until under the masterfully original hands of [[Carlo Gesualdo]] and [[Claudio Monteverdi]] in particular, the form moved out of what is generally thought of as [[Renaissance]] vocal chamber music (somewhat like a string quartet or quintet today with one voice per part) into the [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque]]. Instrumental accompaniment was introduced during the first few decades of the 17th century and the form began to become indistinguishable from the [[cantata]].  

The new form was first developed, partly by [[Flemish]] composers working in northern Italy, but also by the Italians themselves, as secular choral pieces, similar to the French chanson, but also taking some stylistic elements from the contemporary [[motet]]. During the rest of the 16th century, under the influence of the greatest composers of the age, the madrigal would grow and change and develop, until under the masterfully original hands of [[Carlo Gesualdo]] and [[Claudio Monteverdi]] in particular, the form moved out of what is generally thought of as [[Renaissance]] vocal chamber music (somewhat like a string quartet or quintet today with one voice per part) into the [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque]]. Instrumental accompaniment was introduced during the first few decades of the 17th century and the form began to become indistinguishable from the [[cantata]].  

Late in the 1500s the madrigal arrived in England and forms the base for the flourishing of English song that has continued into modern times. Originally domestic music – that is, music intended to be performed in the home for the entertainment of family and friends, and for the pleasure of the performers as much as the listeners – it grew on the unparalleled richness and refinement of English poetry of that age of Shakespeare.  

Late in the 1500s the madrigal arrived in [[England]] and forms the base for the flourishing of English song that has continued into modern times. Originally domestic music – that is, music intended to be performed in the home for the entertainment of family and friends, and for the pleasure of the performers as much as the listeners – it grew on the unparalleled richness and refinement of English [[poetry]] of that age of Shakespeare.  

In its brief flowering the English madrigal developed into three distinct forms: (1) the madrigal “proper” similar to the Italian/Netherlander style, usually for 4 or more voice parts; each new verse line is introduced by a voice then taken up by the others; (2) The ''Ayre'', where the main melody is carried by a high voice (usually the soprano) with a vocal or instrumental accompaniment; and (3) the ''Ballett'', where the singers usually dance to the lilting-type music, and there is the classic (often mocked) "tra-la-la" refrain. All were intended for personal entertainment.  

In its brief flowering the English madrigal developed into three distinct forms: (1) the madrigal “proper” similar to the Italian/Netherlander style, usually for 4 or more voice parts; each new verse line is introduced by a voice then taken up by the others; (2) The ''Ayre'', where the main melody is carried by a high voice (usually the soprano) with a vocal or instrumental accompaniment; and (3) the ''Ballett'', where the singers usually dance to the lilting-type music, and there is the classic (often mocked) "tra-la-la" refrain. All were intended for personal entertainment.  

The madrigal disintegrated in Italy under the onslaught of the cantata and the rise of opera as court - and then public – entertainment. In England, the [[lute song]] usurped the role of the madrigal, although the form still holds a place in the hearts of the English – the Madrigal Society was founded in 1741 for the cultivation of madrigal singing – still meeting, it is the oldest music society in the world.  

The madrigal disintegrated in Italy under the onslaught of the cantata and the rise of [[opera]] as court - and then public – entertainment. In England, the [[lute song]] usurped the role of the madrigal, although the form still holds a place in the hearts of the English – the Madrigal Society was founded in 1741 for the cultivation of madrigal singing – still meeting, it is the oldest music society in the world.  

[[Category: Musical forms]]

[[Category: Musical forms]]

[[Category: Songs]]

[[Category: Songs]]