Monody

Music for one singer (monophonic) with a simple chordal accompaniment not preventing the expression of the emotional message in the melody line (as opposed to polyphony with strict counterpoint). The monodists placed a special emphasis on the words, and the declamation approximated to speech rhythm. In the Baroque era, cantata, oratorio and opera evolved from monodic style. Monody in the operatic context is synonymous with recitative. (Monody embraces all the styles of solo singing, including recitative, airs, and madrigals.) The canzona and sonata developed as outgrowth of solo monody.