Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Period

Music Periods Overview

• Western Music History: Divided into three main periods: Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Music of the Medieval Period (700-1400)

• Known as the middle ages or dark ages that started with the fall of the roman empire.

• Monophonic plainchants - named after Pope Gregory I and made it popular.

• Gregorian Chant:

  • Important religious music used in the early Christian church.

  • Characteristics: Monophonic, free meter, modal, based on Latin liturgy, and uses neume notation.

• Influences:

  • Strong influence from the Christian Church on culture and politics.

  • Monophonic plainchant became popular, helping to spread religious messages.

• Secular Music:

  • Emergence of troubadour music, performed by groups called Troubadours.

  • Characteristics of troubadour music: also monophonic, depicts chivalry, in French.

Renaissance Period (1400-1600)

• Definition:

  • The term 'Renaissance' means rebirth, focusing on rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman culture.

• Key Developments:

  • Music printing emerged, leading to wider distribution.

  • Shift from sacred music to secular music among the upper class.

• Musical Characteristics:

  • Primarily polyphonic, imitation among voices, and use of word painting.

  • Prominent instrument: Lute.

• Vocal Music:

  • Mass Composition:

    • Sets Eucharistic liturgy to music, characterized by polyphony.

    • Sections include Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.

  • Madrigal:

    • Secular vocal polyphonic music, significant social aspect during gatherings.

Baroque Period (1685-1750)

• Definition:

  • Name derived from Portuguese meaning "pearl of irregular shape"; known for elaborate ornamentations.

• Major Composers:

  • Notables: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Friedrich Handel, Antonio Vivaldi.

• Musical Characteristics:

  • Melodies are elaborate, often contrapuntal, with dynamics contrasting loud and soft passages.

  • Genres include concerto, fugue, oratorio, and chorale.

• Key Genres and Forms:

  • Concerto: Solo instrument with orchestral support.

  • Fugue: Composed in 3 or 4 parts, developed from a single theme.

  • Oratorio: Large scale work for orchestra and voices with religious narratives, performed without costumes or scenery.

Composers

• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Master of Renaissance sacred music known for purity in church compositions.

• Thomas Morley: Famous for secular music, especially madrigals push boundaries of musical creativity in his time.

• Johann Sebastian Bach: Renowned for organ compositions and sacred music; marked by deep personal faith.

• Antonio Vivaldi: Known for "The Four Seasons", a series of violin concerti.

• George Friedrich Handel: Remembered for operas and the famous oratorio "Messiah" and its well-known "Hallelujah" chorus.