motet

American  

[moh-tet] / moʊˈtɛt /

noun

Music.

1. a vocal composition in polyphonic style, on a Biblical or similar prose text, intended for use in a church service.

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motet British  

/ məʊˈtɛt /

noun

1. a polyphonic choral composition used as an anthem in the Roman Catholic service

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Etymology

Origin of motet

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French; see mot, -et

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

motet

The focus is on the Virgin Mary’s special role in the Nativity story, as in a new arrangement of a Renaissance motet by the Portuguese Vicente Lusitano, the first known, published Black composer.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 14, 2023

Thomas Tallis’s “Spem in Alium,” a motet written for 40 independent voices, proved the ideal vehicle, exceeding the Scholars’ capacity three times over.

From New York Times ● Apr. 19, 2015

The short program ended with Dudamel conducting the orchestra and the Soma children's chorus in a performance of the Mozart motet "Ave Verum Corpus" dedicated to those who sacrificed to help in Fukushima.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2015

The choir also will sing several motets spanning the Renaissance through modern periods, including a Magnificat by Hieronymous Praetorius and a motet by local composer Leo Nestor.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 13, 2015

The motet had been commissioned by the Duke of Ferrara, Josquin’s employer, who was grieving the recent loss of a man close to him.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall