In the context of madrigals, what does "melisma" refer to?

In the context of madrigals, "melisma" refers to an extended vocal phrase that is sung on a single syllable. This technique involves using a series of notes to elaborate on one syllable of text, creating a rich and expressive musical line. Melisma enhances the emotional depth of the music, allowing performers to showcase their vocal agility and interpretive skills. In madrigals, this often contributes to the overall beauty and complexity of the vocal arrangement, as singers weave intricate melodic lines around the textual content. The practice of employing melisma is a hallmark of the madrigal style, which flourished during the Renaissance, emphasizing both text expression and musical embellishment.