WordValemotet
a polyphonic choral composition, often sacred
In more detail
1. (noun) a vocal musical composition, usually religious, typically sung without instrumental accompaniment
2. (noun) in medieval and Renaissance music, a composition with multiple melodic lines, often with different texts sung simultaneously
Examples
- 1. The choir performed a beautiful motet by Palestrina at the Easter service.
- 2. Medieval motets often combined sacred texts in Latin with secular melodies.
How to use motet
Motet is a technical term used primarily in musicology and music history contexts when discussing religious choral music from the medieval, Renaissance, or early Baroque periods. It emphasizes the artistic and structural qualities of the composition rather than its liturgical function, distinguishing it from simpler liturgical chants or hymns. The term is relatively formal and appears most naturally in academic, historical, or specialized musical discussions.
Common phrases
- Renaissance motet
- polyphonic motet
- sacred motet
- sing a motet
- medieval motet
- choral motet
Synonyms
choral composition · sacred vocal work · polyphonic piece · anthem · chanson
Word family
motets (plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse motet with mass or other sacred vocal forms; while both are religious musical compositions, a motet is typically shorter, often has multiple independent texts sung simultaneously, and was traditionally unaccompanied, whereas a mass sets the Ordinary of the liturgy with unified text throughout.
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