Page "Motet" Paragraph 2

According to Margaret Bent ( 1997 ), " a piece of music in several parts with words " is as precise a definition of the motet as will serve from the 13th to the late 16th century and beyond.

This is close to one of the earliest descriptions we have, that of the late 13th-century theorist Johannes de Grocheio.

Grocheio believed that the motet was, " not intended for the vulgar who do not understand its finer points and derive no pleasure from hearing it: it is meant for educated people and those who look for refinement in art.