Frottola

/frɔˈtoʊlə/ noun

Definition

A popular Italian musical form from the 15th-16th centuries, typically featuring light, humorous, or love-themed lyrics set to simple melodies.

Etymology

From Italian frottola, possibly derived from frotta meaning 'a crowd' or 'a throng,' referring to the collection of verses; the form became especially popular in Renaissance Italy and represents an early secular music tradition.

Kelly Says

Frottolas were like the pop songs of Renaissance Italy—catchy, funny, and sometimes kind of silly, but they bridged the gap between formal church music and the everyday songs people actually wanted to hear.

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