What is the term for setting new words to an established melody?

The term for setting new words to an established melody is known as "contrafactum." This practice involves taking a pre-existing musical tune and creating a new vocal piece by overlaying different lyrics. It's a common method in various musical genres, as it allows composers to maintain the engaging melodies while adding fresh textual content. Contrafactum can be seen in popular music, where a familiar melody becomes the basis for new songs, providing an instant connection for listeners familiar with the original tune.

In contrast, imitation refers to the repetition of a melody or musical motif in another voice, often used to build textures in polyphonic music. Parody typically involves humor or satire and may reuse both melody and lyrics in a playful way. Variation involves altering a piece of music, such as changing its melody, harmony, or rhythm while keeping the original form recognizable. Each of these terms highlights different musical techniques and creative approaches, but contrafactum specifically pinpoints the practice of creating new lyrics atop an existing melody.