Madrigal

[Sarah]

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

[Raeanne Dimick]

a song, developed in Italy in the 14th century, that is performed without musical instruments and in which several singers sing different notes at the same time

[Becky]

A part-song for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically arranged in elaborate counterpoint and without instrumental accompaniment. Originally used of a genre of 14th-century Italian songs, the term now usually refers to English or Italian songs of the late 16th and early 17th c., in a free style strongly influenced by the text.