Frottola

a poetic form, usually amorous or lyrical in content and similar to the ballad and the villancico; also, a polyphonic secular song set to the words of such a poem.

The frottola was popular in Italy in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The music was written in a major key and was characterized by dance rhythms and clear structure. Frottole were written for four voices, with the upper voice leading; the other parts could apparently be taken by instruments.