Music of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods Example For Students

Music of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods Cantus Firmus also known as fixed song or a pre-existing melody which forms the basis of polyphonic composition. Melismatic is the singing of one syllable of text while moving between several different notes in succession. Monophony music consisting of a single melodic line without chordal accompaniment; It is the oldest type of music. Neume symbols representing one to four notes used as notation during the Medieval Period. Polyphony music consisting of several (two or more) melodic lines, each having individual significance and independence. Sacred Music music that was specifically written for use in religious services. Secular Music music that was composed for purposes rather than religious. Syllabic each syllable of text is matched with one note. Through-composed songs in which there is new music to each stanza; the opposite of strophic. Tonality system where the musical piece is based on a key center. Three Periods of Western Music History Medieval Era, Renaissance Period and Baroque Period. Gregorian Chant type of music from the Medieval Era which was mainly used in the Early Christian Church. Imitative Polyphony is the distinctive characteristic of Renaissance Music. Baroque Period is characterized by grand and elaborate ornamentation of sculptures, theaters, arts and music. Music Genres which flourished during the Baroque Period the Concerto, the Fugue, the Chorale and the Oratorio Music of the Medieval Period (700 1400) is also known as Middle Ages or Dark Ages that started with the fall of Roman Empire. secular music which was not bound by Catholic traditions emerged. Monophonic Plainchant was named after Pope Gregory I, who made this the approved music of the Catholic Church. Characteristics of Gregorian Chant Monophonic Free meter Modal Usually based on Latin liturgy Use of Neume notation Troubadours secular music which was not bound by Catholic traditions emerged. most of these songs were performed across Europe by these groups of musicians. Troubadour Music Usually monophonic Sometimes with improvised instruments Tells of chivalry and courtly love Originated in France Written in the French Language Composer of the Medieval Period Adam de la Halle Adam de la Halle, France, 1237-1288 -was also known as Adam le Bossu (Adam the Hunchback) -one of the oldest secular composers whose literary and musical works include chansons and poetic debates. jeux partis poetic debates Jeu de Robin et de Marion a musical play that was considered the earliest surviving secular French play with music. Adam de la Halles works Jeu de Robin et de Marion La Chanson du roi de Sicile Music of Renaissance (1400 1600) comes from the word renaitre. the period of looking back to the golden age of Greece and Rome. renaitre rebirth, revival and rediscovery. Characteristics of Renaissance Music Mostly polyphonic Imitation among the voices is common Use of word painting in texts and music Melodic lines move in flowing manner Melodies are easier to perform Vocal Music of the Renaissance Period Mass Madrigal Mass is a form of sacred musical composition that sets text of the Eucharistic liturgy into music. Characteristics of a mass -Polyphonic -May be sung in a cappella or with orchestral accompaniment -Text may be syllabic, neume or melismatic. syllabic one note set to each syllable. neumatic a few notes set to one syllable. melismatic many notes to one syllable. Five main sections of Mass Kyrie Lord Have Mercy Gloria Glory to God in the Highest Credo Apostles Creed and Niceans Creed Sanctus and Benedictus Holy, Holy and Blessed is He Agnus Dei The Lamb of God Kyrie Lord Have Mercy Gloria Glory to God in the Highest Credo Apostles Creed and Niceans Creed Sanctus and Benedictus Holy, Holy and Blessed is He Agnus Dei The Lamb of God Madrigal a secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated from Italy. Characteristics of Madrigal Polyphonic Sung a cappella Through-composed Frequently in 3 to 6 voices Composers of the Renaissance Period Giovanni PierLuigi da Palestrina Thomas Morley Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Rome, 1525-1594 is said to be the greatest master of the Roman Catholic music during the Renaissance Period. -Masses (first book) Thomas Morley, England, 1557-1602 -Morley, the son of the brewer was born in Norwich, East England. -was the most famous composer of secular music in his time. -His Musica Transalpina, a collection of Italian madrigals fitted with English text, was published in 1588 by Nicholas Yonge. Thomas Morleys Works Fire, Fire, My Heart Sing and Chant it Fantasie April is in my mistress face It was a lover and his lass Music of the Baroque Period (1685-1750) During this time, the arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate ornamentation. Baroque is derived from the word barroco which means pearl of irregular shape. Composers of Baroque Period George Friedrich Handel Johann Sebastian Bach Claudio Monteverdi Antonio Vivaldi Characteristics of Baroque Music Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental melodies are not easy to sing or remember primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony Dynamic contrast alteration between loud and soft Music Genres operas, oratorios, suites, tocattas, concerto grosso, fugue Orchestra consists of strings and continuo Hapsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are commonly used New Forms : binary AB, ternary ABC, ground bass and fugue Dynamic contrast alteration between loud and soft Music Genres of Baroque Music peras, oratorios, suites, tocattas, concerto grosso, fugue Hapsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are commonly used in Baroque music. New Forms of Baroque Music binary AB ternary ABC ground bass fugue Music genres of Baroque Music Concerto Concerto Grossso Concerto a form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra. Concerto Grosso a form of orchestral music during Baroque Music Period wherein the music is between small group of solo instruments called concertino and the whole orchestra called tutti. concertino small group of solo instruments tutti whole orchestra Johann Sebastian Bach Germany, March 21 1685 July 28, 1750 came from a family of musicians Eisanach town of musicians where they lived. started playing violin at 7 Johann Sebastian Bachs works Concerto Grosso Brandenburg Concertos (concerto grosso) Masses Mass in B minor Cantatas Cantata 208 and 211 Fugues Fugue in G minor Tocatta and Fugue in D minor Works for clavichord and hapsichord Well Tempered Clavier ( one of his more well-known keyboard improvisations) Antonio Vivaldi -Vienna, March 4, 1678 July 28, 1741 -nicknamed il Prete Rosso (The Red Priest) because of his red hair -Italian -composed Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) George Friedrich Handel Germanym February 23, 1685 London, April 14, 1759 was the second son from the second marriage of a pastor. taught himself how to play hapsichord Englands favorite composer George Friedrich Handels works Messiah Samson Messiah -written by Handel within 24 days in London and performed it in Dublin -most famous work of Handel which has the chorus Hallelujah