CHORALE MOTET

   Vocal polyphonic composition based exclusively on the text and melody of a Lutheran chorale, in one throughcomposed movement or several short ones, dating from the end of the 16th century. Typically, each phrase of the melody serves as a point of imitation. Instruments may double the vocal parts. Most were composed during the first two decades of the 17th century, after which the genre merged with the sacred concerto and chorale cantata.

   See also Motet; Praetorius, Michael.