The canzona is a musical form that can be traced to the 15th century Italy. In the beginning it was a monodic style, similar to the frotolla or strambotto. Later, and under the influence of the Franco-Flemish chanson, the canzona developed into its most enduring form. Canzonas are light and simple pieces, written for either soloists or groups, and characterized by their rhythmic aspect. During the 16th century many transcriptions were made for keyboard and stringed instruments, developing the canzona into an instrumental genre.