A form of vocal chamber music that originated in Italy in the 14th century, but didn't flourish until the Renaissance Period. Often in the beginning of its development, a composer and poet would work together in order to create a composition.   It is often set polyphonically in multiple voice parts and originally designed for one voice to sing each part.  However, often multiple people would double up on parts to acheive greater sound.  These songs were often sung at courtly social gatherings, including meetings of academics.  These pieces of music greatly relied on harmoic progressions, something that was very new for the time period.