FratFiles

• Save Paper

The motet is hardly a term that can be defined in brief. It is a word that requires a descriptive analysis for each time period. Throughout its history, the motet has taken on several different forms and ideas. A significant difference in the definition of the motet can be seen between the 13th and 14th centuries.
It is appropriate to begin in the 13th century, when the motet was originated. Originally, the motet was seen as a decoration of chant, for it was based on the sacred Latin texts of the Gregorian chant. In the early motet the tenor, or bottom voice, sang original Gregorian chant. In terms of form, it originated as a troped clausula.
This changed in the 14th century when the idea of the motet was more secular, the tenor did not sing chant. The text was usually French and portrayed ideas of courtly love and satire. Often times the text and music was often symbolic. At times the motet during the 14th century was written to recognize special events, feasts or......

View the rest of this paper...

Approximate Word Count: 655
Approximate Pages: 3 (250 words per double-spaced page)

Similar Essays

1. 13th And 14th Century Motets
   

   13th and 14th Century Motets The motet is hardly a term that can be defined in brief. It is a word that requires a descriptive analysis for each time period. Throughout its

2. Motet Development
   

   which the treatment is peculiarly melodious and of an Irish flavor. During the late 13th century, motets with tenors sharing similar rhythms with the upper voices became possible.

3. 
   

4. 
   

5.