What does the term 'seconda prattica' refer to in music?

The term 'seconda prattica' refers to a compositional style that emerged in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, particularly associated with the music of Claudio Monteverdi and his contemporaries. This concept emphasizes the idea that the meaning and expression of the text (the lyrics or words) should fundamentally influence and dictate the harmonic structure and melodic lines of the music.

In this practice, composers often prioritized the emotional expression of the text over adherence to strict counterpoint rules or traditional harmonic sequences. This contrasts with the earlier style termed 'prima prattica,' where the rules of counterpoint and harmonic structure predominantly guided musical composition. The shift to 'seconda prattica' allowed for greater expressive freedom and innovation in musical and lyrical combination, thus highlighting the transformative role that text plays in shaping musical complexity.

The associated options reflect various aspects of musical practice. Some may suggest a focus on structural adherence or on improvisation, which do not align with the primary tenet of 'seconda prattica' where text and its emotional conveyance take precedence. This understanding helps clarify how the evolution of musical thought during this period was centered around a more expressive, text-driven approach to composition.