A madrigal is a piece of music written for two to six voices to sing in polyphonic harmony. Although most madrigals are secular compositions, love is a common theme, particularly in the later 17th century madrigals. Madrigals are sometimes performed chamber choirs at special events, and they can also be heard at Renaissance fairs and other events commemorating European culture during the Renaissance.
Madrigals are thought to have originated in 14th-century Italy. Early versions of the form were usually performed two to three people, who blended their voices in a distinct but usually simple harmony. The form became more complex and stylized as it spread across Europe, until a madrigal became a very formal, stunning piece of music that, despite its secular theme, can be quite haunting. Although madrigals were popular until the 1800s, many people associate them with the Renaissance period.
Madrigals have long been associated with England, with composers such as Thomas Morley and Orlando Gibbons contributing to the genre. Later madrigal composers throughout Europe focused on the interplay of many voices in a complex and ornate harmony, sometimes almost obscuring the music’s words and theme. The lack of accompaniment also highlights the singers’ abilities, though it can also draw attention to less talented singers.
A madrigal has no set form; that is, no rhyme scheme determines what is and is not a madrigal, and the music does not have to be in a specific meter. Most madrigals end with a rhyming couplet convention, but this is not required. Madrigals can be composed for any occasion, with madrigals being heard at weddings, funerals, and a variety of other events.
Singing a madrigal, especially one with multiple harmonies, is difficult. When singers can hear other singers singing different parts of the song, it can be difficult for them to stay on track, resulting in skips or hesitations in the music. However, when a well-trained and coordinated chorus performs, the result is quite unique. Many choral groups record their madrigals so that fans can buy them to listen to at home, and comparing madrigals to religious music forms from the same time period can be a fun and educational way to spend an evening.