Ballata is an Italian term that refers to a type of lyrical poetry originally sung and danced to during the late Middle Ages. In modern times, the term ballata is used to refer to a type of music that has evolved from this ancient form of poetry. There are a number of synonyms that can be used to describe the ballata, such as a troubadour song, a chanson, a madrigal, or a serenade. Each of these terms has its own unique historical and cultural connotations that have evolved over time, making them useful for describing different types of ballata compositions, styles, and themes.