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Lesson 1: Music of the Medieval Period (700-1400)
Melodies are easier to perform because these move along a
Also known as the MIDDLE AGES or “DARK AGES”. scale with a few large leaps
>Monophonic plainchant was named after POPE GREGORY I, who made this the Lute was the prominent instrument of the renaissance
approved music of the Catholic Church. era.
Characteristics of the Gregorian Chants Vocal Music of Renaissance Period
>Monophonic Mass- is a form of sacred musical composition that sets
>Free meter texts of the Eucharistic liturgy into music.
>Modal Characteristics of Mass
>Usually based on Latin liturgy Polyphonic
>Use of NEUME notation May be sung a capella or with orchestral accompaniment
Text may be syllabic, neumatic, or melismatic
During the latter part of the medieval period, SECULAR MUSIC which was not bound by Five Main Section of Mass
Catholic traditions emerged. Most of these songs were performed across Europe by groups 1. Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy)
of musicians called TROUBADOURS. 2. Gloria ( Glory to God in the Highest)
3. Credo (I Believe in One God)
Troubadour Music 4. Sanctus and Benedictus (Holy, holy and Blessed is He)
>Usually monophonic 5. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
>Sometimes with improvised accompaniment
>Tells of chivalry and courtly love Madrigal- a secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated from
>Originated in France Italy. It is the most important secular form during renaissance period.
>Written in the French language Characteristics of Madrigal
Famous Composer of Medieval Period Polyphonic
Adam De La Halle Sung a capella
>Also known as ADAM LE BOSSU ( Adam the Hunchback) Through-composed
>He was one of the oldest secular composers. Frequently in 3 to 6 voices
>He was a French-born trouvere, poet, and musician.
His works include: Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period
1. Le jeu de Robin et de Marion 1. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
2. La Chanson du roi de Sicile the greatest master of Roman Catholic church music
during renaissance period.
majority of his songs are SACRED MUSIC
Lesson 2: Music of Renaissance Period (1400-1600) he was an organist and choir master.
Comes from the word “RENAITRE” which means “rebirth”, “revival”, and his POPE MARCELLUS MASS is held up as the perfect
“rediscovery”. example of counter-reformation style.
A period of “looking back” to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome.
The invention of printing in the 1400’s paved the way for a wide distribution of
renaissance composition.
This era was also known as the “GOLDEN AGE” of a capella choral music.
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 Page 3
2. Thomas Morley Famous Composer of Baroque Music
the most famous composer of secular music in his time.
most of his madrigals are light and easy to sing with 1. Johann Sebastian Bach
some aspects of Italian style. came from a family of musicians.
His works include: his beautiful soprano singing voice helped him to be
Fire, Fire my Heart,Sing and Chant it,Fantasie ,April is in my accepted at a school.
Mistress’ Face,It was a Lover and His Lass. known for his compositions for organ, orchestra, and
oratorio.
His works include:
Brandenburg Concerto
Mass in B minor
Cantata 208 and 211
Lesson 3: Music of Baroque Period (1600-1750) Fugue in G minor
Derived from the Portuguese word “BARROCO” which means Works for clavichord and harpsichord
“Pearl of Irregular Shape”.
Major and minor tonality was created in this period. 2. Antonio Vivaldi
nicknamed “il Prete Rosso” (The Red Priest) because of his
Characteristics of Baroque Period red hair.
an Italian baroque composer, catholic priest, and a
Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental. virtuoso violinist.
Melodies are not easy to sing or remember. recognized as one of the greatest baroque composers.
Primarily contrapuntal textures with some known mainly for composing instrumental concertos as
homophony. well as sacred choral works.
Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and his most famous piece is “THE FOUR SEASONS”
soft. this composition is a series of four violin concerti depicting
Music genres – operas, oratorios, suites, each of the seasons – spring, summer, autumn, winter.
toccatas, concerto grosso, fugue
Orchestra consists of strings and continuo
Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard
instruments that are commonly used. 3. George Friedich Handel
remembered for his operas and oratorios.
Music Genres of Baroque Period England’s favorite composer
lost both of his eyesight in 1753.
Concerto- a form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied the “MESSIAH” is Handel’s most famous creation and the
by an orchestra. very well known “HALLELUJAH” chorus.
Concerto Grosso- a form of orchestral music wherein the music is between a small
group of solo instruments called concertino and the whole orchestra called tutti.
Fugue- a contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative counterpoint.
-it is usually written in 3 or 4 parts, with a main theme called “subject”.
Oratorio- a large scale musical composition for orchestra and voices that
incorporates narratives on religious themes.
Chorale- a musical composition consisting or resembling a harmonized version of a
simple, stately hymn tune.
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