A medieval strophic song in English or Latin, beginning with a burden (refrain) which is repeated after each stanza; in recent times, a strophic song associated with Christmas.
The carol, connected with the French Carole, originated as a dance-song in the 12th century. Most surviving medieval texts treat religious or moral subjects, often pertaining to Christmastide, but carols were appropriate also to secular feasts and processions. They were sung to popular melodies. The 15th-century polyphonic carol is marked by vigorous rhythms, transcribed in 6/8 or 3/4 time, somewhat angular melodies and simple two- or three-part harmonies. The carol declined after the Reformation, but carol-motets were composed by Byrd and others, and the older type continued in use. During the 19th century the tradition was diluted with new Christmas hymns in square, four-part harmony.
