Music Periods

Information from the Medieval music period to the Romantic music period

What is Gregorian Chant characterized by?

Monophonic, unaccompanied, free rhythm, Latin text, liturgical function.

What are the two types of melodies in polyphony?

Two melodies playing at the same time.

What is a motet?

A short sacred piece that is polyphonic.

What significant event did the fall of the Roman Empire lead to in terms of music?

The rise of the Catholic Church, which influenced the development of music.

What function did the Catholic Church serve in medieval society?

It became the dominant religious institution, spreading its influence and converting barbarian tribes.

What was the main impact of feudalism on society during the Medieval period?

Land ownership determined one’s place in society.

What is the name of the notation system that began to appear during the Medieval period?

Neumes.

Who were the well-known composers from the Notre-Dame School?

Leonin (1135-1201) and Perotin (1160-1230).

What was the primary way music was passed down in the early Medieval period?

Orally through memory.

What is the main difference between polyphony and monophony?

Polyphony has multiple melodies, while monophony has a single melody.

Time of the Renaissance period

1400-1600

What does renaissance mean?

French word that means rebirth

Humanism

When music shifted from being religious to more secular

Secular music

Non-religious music

Important item during this time

The printing press was invented around 1436 by Johannes Gutenberg.

This made it easier for music to be distributed across different regions. Also made books more cheaper and accessible.

Counterpoint

Two voices playing at the same time, sounds like two voices talking to each other.

Instruments of the Renaissance

Lute, Clavichord, Harpsichord, Viola Da Gamba, Sackbut, Cornett, Crumhorn (these are some)

Music forms of Renaissance

Sacred music and Secular Music

Josquin des Prez

C. 1450-1455 - August 27, 1521

Born in Northern France

Composed secular and religious music

His music sounds virtuosic

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Dec 17, 1525- February 1, 1594.

Italian composer. Became a choir boy at age of 12. Pope Julius III appointed him as choir master of the Julian Chapel of St.Peter’s Basilica in Rome.Known for his masses and motets. Saved polyphony by composing Missa Papae Marcelli

Thomas Weekles

October 25, 1576- November 30, 1623

Born in Sussex, United Kingdom. Composer and organist. Bachelor’s of Music at Oxford University. Known for his madrigals.

What years define the Baroque Music Period?

1600 - 1750

What is the Doctrine of the Affections?

The idea that music can create emotions such as admiration, love, hatred, desire, joy, and sorrow.

What are the characteristics of Baroque music?

Irregular, ornate, complex, and the use of a continuous bass line (Basso Continuo).

What does Basso Continuo refer to in Baroque music?

Music that uses a continuous bass line.

Name one of the four musical forms during the Baroque period.

Opera, Oratorio, Concerto, or Fugue.

What is an Opera?

A dramatic, staged musical work with acting and costumes.

What distinguishes an Oratorio from an Opera?

An Oratorio is similar to an opera but performed without staging.

What is a Concerto?

A musical composition for a soloist vs. an orchestra, often in three movements.

Define a Fugue.

A complex polyphonic composition with imitative counterpoint.

Who was J.S. Bach?

A prominent composer from Germany known for his pieces containing counterpoint.

Who was George Frideric Handel?

A composer known for his operas and oratorios, and for donating proceeds to charity.

What is Antonio Vivaldi known for?

He composed over 500 concertos and 46 operas, and initially studied for the priesthood.

Time of Classical Period

1750-1820

Homophonic music

A melody with accompaniment (harmony)

Classical phrases

Balanced music phrases. Hummable melodies. Simpler and elegant.

Dynamics

Volume in music

Music Forms

Opera, String Quartet, Sonata, Symphony

Symphony

Large Orchestral in multiple movements. Movements were considered different parts in one big piece where audiences don’t clap in between (usually 4 movements).

Sonata

Solo or small ensemble work with strctured movements.

String Quartet

Chamber music with 2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello (basically just 4 string instruments)

Opera

More dramatic than Baroque operas. More realistic stories.

Franz Joseph Haydn

March 31, 1732-May 31, 1809, composer known as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." . Composed 104 symphonies, 50 concertos, 24 stage works and 12 masses. He was close friends with Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

January 27, 1756

Austrian composer. Composed over 600 works. Child prodigy. Travel around Europe to perform by age of 7. Wrote his first sonata at 4 and first opera at 12. Died with debt due to spending more than making. Died of Kidney failure at 35 and was buried with an unmarked grave.

Romantic Period

Timeframe from 1820 to 1900 in music history.

Individualism

Celebration of personal expression in Romantic music.

Emotion

Focus on feelings over reason in compositions.

Romanticism

Art movement emphasizing individual experiences and emotions.

Nationalism

Musical expression of national identity and culture.

Expansion of Orchestra

Increased players from 60 to 125 in Romantic era.

Timbre

Quality of sound produced by an instrument.

Chromaticism

Use of diatonic pitches in music composition.

Rubato

Flexible rhythm and tempo in musical performance.

Program Music

Music that tells a story or narrative.

Art Song (Lied)

Solo voice accompanied by piano in Romantic music.

Leitmotif

Recurring musical theme representing a person or idea.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Transitional composer from Classical to Romantic music.

Franz Schubert

Austrian composer known for his 'unfinished' symphony.

Frederic Chopin

Polish composer focused on piano, not symphonies.

Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique

Example of program music with a narrative.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker

Famous ballet music composed by Tchaikovsky.

Johannes Brahms

Composer of symphonies and emotional chamber music.

Gustav Mahler

Known for composing 10 symphonies and conducting.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony Pathetique

Controversial symphony premiered shortly before his death.

Smetana's The Moldau

Musical representation of the Vltava River's journey.

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2

Analyzed for emotional impact and storytelling elements.

Dramatic Contrasts

Characteristic of Romantic music in dynamics and expression.