Final answer:
The leading genre of vocal music during the baroque period was the madrigal, which was a secular genre characterized by intricate polyphonic textures and expressive lyrics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leading genre of vocal music during the baroque period was the madrigal. The madrigal was a secular genre that originated in Italy during the Renaissance and gained popularity during the baroque era. It was typically written for several voices, with intricate polyphonic textures and expressive, emotional lyrics. Composers such as Monteverdi and Gesualdo were known for their influential madrigals.