What characteristic is typical of the Italian madrigal?

The characteristic that is typical of the Italian madrigal is the enhancement of poetry through music. Italian madrigals, which flourished during the Renaissance, were known for their expressive settings of secular poetry. Composers of madrigals aimed to illustrate the emotions and imagery of the text, often through innovative melodic lines, rich harmonies, and varied vocal textures. This close relationship between text and music allowed for a more profound emotional impact and artistic expression, making the madrigal a significant genre in the development of Western music.

The emphasis on enhancing poetry is a hallmark of madrigal composition, showcasing the importance of literature and emotions in the musical landscape of that era. Other options, such as a focus on sacred themes, are more characteristic of different genres, like choral or polyphonic sacred music, rather than the secular context of madrigals. Instrumental compositions only would not align with the madrigal form, which is primarily vocal. Lastly, while some madrigals may employ homophonic textures, they often utilize a variety of textures, including polyphony. Thus, the enhancement of poetry through music is the defining feature of the Italian madrigal.