Intro to Music HistoryIntro to Music HistoryMedieval to RenaissanceMedieval to Renaissance

Music of the Middle Ages

From Gregorian Chant to the Renaissance

6 Periods of Music History6 Periods of Music History

(Ancient) – Doesn’t really count(Ancient) – Doesn’t really countMedievalMedievalRenaissanceRenaissanceBaroqueBaroqueClassicalClassicalRomanticRomanticModernModern

Ancient PeriodAncient Period

This term refers to the music of the This term refers to the music of the Ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome, Ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome, Babylon, Mesopotamia, et cetera.Babylon, Mesopotamia, et cetera.

Very little is known about the music of Very little is known about the music of these civilizations, but it is certain that these civilizations, but it is certain that music played a part in their lives. music played a part in their lives.

Vocal / Instrumental music

Can you recall the differences between Vocal music and Instrumental music?

Vocal music

is music made specifically for voices

Instrumental music

is made solely for instruments

1450 – 1600

Renaissance800 – 1300 C.E.800 – 1300 C.E.

MedievalMedieval

Historical backgroundBeginnings of NotationBeginnings of Notation

Age of curiosity and individualismAge of curiosity and individualism

Symbolism rather than realismSymbolism rather than realism

Invention of printing pressInvention of printing press

Spanned almost 1000 yearsSpanned almost 1000 years

Vocal Music

Plain Chant Word Painting A capella Vocal music was more important than

instrumental music.PolyphonyTroubadours

Gregorian ChantMotet

MUSIC

Ars AntiquaArs NovaArs PerfectaParody

Medieval Music

1. Most Medieval composers wrote mainly for

the church and remained anonymous.

2. Compositions are more as a function or duty.

3.Music was held in high regard but those who made it were not.

4.Church believed that music should make the listener or participant receptive to hilt thoughts and feelings.

5. Purely instrumental music was prohibited.

6.Plainchant became a symbol—a means of ensuring intellectual, spiritual and aesthetic solidarity with in the Christian domain.

Renaissance

1.“Every educated person was expected to be trained in music” – ideal of a universal man

2.Church choir grew in size

3. Church remained an important patron of music.

4. Musicians enjoyed higher status and pay than ever before.

5. Composers were no longer content to remain unknown.

6. Italy became the leading music center in the 16th century.

Medieval NotationMedieval Notation