The Motets and Madrigals of the Renaissance grew out of the polyphonic music of the Medieval Period. Polyphonic means that the songs were sung by groups of four, five, or six and were sung a Capella. A Motet is taken from a sacred text suitable for use in any type of service. A Madrigal is taken from a secular or non-religious text, and was usually a love song. Both forms of music are polyphonic in nature, and Motets are basically sacred Madrigals. The biggest difference is the language in which it is sung. Motets are always sung in Latin, and Madrigals are always sung in the vernacular.

             Josquin Desprez (c. 1450 - 1521) was a Dutch composer of the Renaissance. He wrote thirty-two masses, and numerous chansons (secular polyphonic songs in French). He wrote several versions of "Ave Maria", which is basically the Hail Mary, sung in Latin. "Ave Maria" is taken from a religious text and sung in Latin. Josquin's "Ave Maria" is undoubtedly a Motet. .

             John Weelkes (c.1576 - 1623) was an English composer who wrote both religious and secular works. "As Vesta Was From Latmos Hill Descending" by Weelkes is a Madrigal. The imagery in "As Vesta Was From Latmos Hill Descending" is taken from Roman mythology and is a courtly love song to Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth is referred to as the "maiden queen" and "fair Oriana". In addition, "As Vesta Was From Latmos Hill Descending" is sung in English. Weelkes' "As Vesta Was From Latmos Hill Descending" is, therefore, a perfect example of a madrigal.