MADRIGAL • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Madrigal

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noun

Madrigal n.

A little amorous poem, sometimes called a pastoral poem, containing some tender and delicate, though simple, thought. "Whose artful strains have oft delayed The huddling brook to hear his madrigal."

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

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Etymology of 'Madrigal'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Madrigal" Quotes from Famous Books

... the days of joy When earth was young, and love without alloy Made all things glad and all the thoughts of things. And like a man who wonders when he sings, And knows not whence the power that in him lies, I made a madrigal of all my sighs And bade thee heed them; and I join'd therewith The texts of these my follies that ...

— A Lover's Litanies • Eric Mackay

... remarks on and illustrative quotations of, 101; translation of a madrigal found in ...

— Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 (of 3) • Isaac D'Israeli

... busy with the compilation of engaging bonnets for the fair, now stand upon wine-dark shelves the rich gold and amber of fine bindings. We were moved by this sight. We said in our heart, we will erect a small madrigal upon this theme, entitled: "Song Upon Certain Songbirds of the Elizabethan Age Now Garnishing the Chamber Erstwhile Bright With the Stuffed Plumage of the Milliner." To the Messrs. Drake we mentioned the interesting letter of Mr. ...

— Plum Pudding - Of Divers Ingredients, Discreetly Blended & Seasoned • Christopher Morley

... Madame de Villegry. "However, in return for your madrigal, accept the advice of a friend. The Nailles seem to me to be prosperous, but everybody in society appears so, and one never knows what may happen any day. You would not do amiss if, before you go on, you were to talk with Wermant, the 'agent de ...

— Jacqueline, v2 • Th. Bentzon (Mme. Blanc)

Words linked to "Madrigal" : sing, madrigalist, music, partsong