ADVANCED HIGHER Q & A 4: What is the difference between a madrigal and a motet?

Question: What is the difference between a madrigal and a motet?

Answer:

There are similarities - 

both compositions are for unaccompanied voices
both originate in the Renaissance period

However:

a madrigal is a secular composition
a motet is a religious composition

a madrigal will be sung in English (probably)
a motet will be sung in Latin

a madrigal may be more lively, possibly dance-like 


Listen and get used to the different sound


This is a madrigal

This is a motet

Madrigal - 

Motet -