Introduction to Music History Research and Sacred Music

Flashcards covering paper research source classifications, Renaissance sacred genres, and key figures and music traditions of the Protestant Reformation.

Primary Sources

Original materials such as the music itself, words of the composer, accounts written at the time, theoretical documents, and original books.

Secondary Sources

Writings in which an author reflects upon, discusses, or interprets primary sources and historical documents.

Tertiary Source

A general reference source, such as an encyclopedia or dictionary (e.g., Wikipedia, Oxford Online, or Encyclopedia Britannica).

Mass

The polyphonic, multi-movement work that was the largest, most important, and most prestigious vocal genre of the 15th century.

Motet

A short sacred vocal composition or musical prayer, such as Ave Maria Virgo Serena.

Cantus firmus

A plain chant melody usually placed in the tenor voice that serves as the foundation for building multi-movement masses.

Flanders

A region in Northern France and Belgium where important Renaissance composers were born and trained.

Martin Luther

A major figure (1483–1546) who initiated the Protestant Reformation by posting 95 theses criticizing Catholic Church corruption, advocating for vernacular congregational music.

Chorale

A German word for chant, referring to congregational hymns meant to be sung monophonically in church during Lutheran services.

Calvinism

A branch of Protestantism founded in Switzerland by Jean Calvin that taught predestination and stripped churches of extra decorations, paintings, and instruments.

Metrical psalm

A metric prayer song sung without extraneous instruments, characteristic of the Calvinist church tradition.

Church of England

The Anglican church branch established by Henry VIII for political reasons regarding his divorce, which developed the anthem genre.

Anthem

A sacred vocal musical genre developed and utilized within the Anglican Church tradition.