Final answer:
Typical English madrigals often feature word-painting and are secular songs, which are both true statements. However, madrigals are not always instrumental nor composed solely for solo voices, making those statements false.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regard to typical English madrigals, the following statements can be assessed for their truthfulness:
- a) Madrigals often feature word-painting. - This statement is true. Word-painting is a technique used in madrigals to musically illustrate the meaning of the lyrics, enhancing the emotional power of the words.
- b) Madrigals are always instrumental compositions. - This statement is false. Madrigals are vocal compositions and may have instrumental accompaniment, but they are not exclusively instrumental.
- c) Madrigals are typically secular songs. - This statement is true. Madrigals were predominantly secular in nature, often dealing with themes of love and other non-religious subjects.
- d) Madrigals are only composed for solo voices. - This statement is false. Madrigals were often composed for four to six voices and could be sung by a group of singers, rather than just solo performers.