What technique does Monteverdi use to enhance the meaning of the text?

Monteverdi employs the technique of word painting to enhance the meaning of the text in his compositions. Word painting is a musical illustration of the literal meaning of a song's lyrics, where the music reflects the words being sung. For instance, when a singer might express the concept of ascending, the pitch in the music would rise accordingly, or if the text refers to the idea of being trapped, the music could employ dissonance to create a sense of tension.

This technique allows listeners to engage not just with the melody and rhythm but also with the deeper emotional implications and narratives conveyed by the text. By meticulously aligning musical elements with poetic meanings, Monteverdi was able to create a more vivid and expressive storytelling medium, enriching the overall experience of the music and allowing for a more profound connection with the audience.

In contrast, while counterpoint involves the interplay of independent musical lines, improvisation emphasizes spontaneity in performance, and harmony deals with the combination of different musical notes played simultaneously, none of these aspects focus specifically on mirroring or enhancing the text as effectively as word painting does.