Music of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Periods

Flashcards on Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music periods, their characteristics, and famous composers.

Medieval Period

A period in music history from 700-1400, also known as the Middle Ages or Dark Ages, significantly influenced by the Christian Church.

Gregorian Chant

The central tradition of Western plainchant, a monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song of the Western Roman Catholic Church.

Monophonic

Consisting of a single musical line, without accompaniment.

Secular Music

Music not bound by Catholic traditions that emerged during the latter part of the Medieval Period, performed by musicians called Troubadours.

Troubadours

Groups of musicians who performed secular music across Europe during the Medieval Period.

Troubadour Music

Usually monophonic, sometimes with improvised accompaniment, telling of chivalry and courtly love, originating in France and written in French.

Adam de la Halle

A famous composer of the Medieval Period from France (1237-1288).

Renaissance Period

The term Renaissance means rebirth, revival, and rediscovery. Music became popular entertainment, and the influence of the Roman Catholic Church declined.

Mass

A sacred musical composition setting texts of the Eucharistic liturgy to music.

Madrigal

Is the most important secular Renaissance vocal genre. It is a vocal music composition, written and expressed in a poetic text, and sung during courtly social gatherings.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Said to be the greatest master of Roman Catholic Church music during the Renaissance Period; composed mostly sacred music.

Baroque Period

Derived from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning pearl of irregular shape; the arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate ornamentation.

Characteristics of Baroque Music

Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental and are not easy to sing or remember; mainly contrapuntal textures with some homophony; dynamic contrast.

Baroque Music Genres

Operas, oratorios, suites, toccatas, concerto grosso, and fugue.

Harpsichord

Stringed keyboard instrument in which the strings are plucked to produce sound.

Concerto

A form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra.

Concerto Grosso

A form of orchestral music where the music is between a small group of solo instruments (concertino) and the whole orchestra (tutti).

Fugue

A contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative counterpoint, 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

Musical compositions that resemble a harmonized version of hymnal tunes of the Protestant Church during the Baroque era.

Johann Sebastian Bach

A famous composer of the baroque period, known for his compositions for organ, orchestra and oratorio.

Antonio Vivaldi

Italian Baroque composer, Catholic priest, and virtuoso violinist; recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers.

George Frideric Handel

Remembered for his operas and oratorios; became England’s favorite composer.