Lesson 1: Music of the Medieval Period (700-1400)  Melodies are easier to perform because these move along a

scale with a few large leaps

 Also known as the MIDDLE AGES or “DARK AGES”.  Lute was the prominent instrument of the renaissance
 >Monophonic plainchant was named after POPE GREGORY I, who made this the era.
approved music of the Catholic Church.
Vocal Music of Renaissance Period
Characteristics of the Gregorian Chants  Mass- is a form of sacred musical composition that sets
 >Monophonic texts of the Eucharistic liturgy into music.
 >Free meter Characteristics of Mass
 >Modal  Polyphonic
 >Usually based on Latin liturgy  May be sung a capella or with orchestral accompaniment
 >Use of NEUME notation  Text may be syllabic, neumatic, or melismatic

 Five Main Section of Mass

1. Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy)
During the latter part of the medieval period, SECULAR MUSIC which was not bound by 2. Gloria ( Glory to God in the Highest)
Catholic traditions emerged. Most of these songs were performed across Europe by groups 3. Credo (I Believe in One God)
of musicians called TROUBADOURS. 4. Sanctus and Benedictus (Holy, holy and Blessed is He)
5. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
Troubadour Music
 >Usually monophonic  Madrigal- a secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated from
 >Sometimes with improvised accompaniment Italy. It is the most important secular form during renaissance period.
 >Tells of chivalry and courtly love Characteristics of Madrigal
 >Originated in France  Polyphonic
 >Written in the French language  Sung a capella
 Famous Composer of Medieval Period  Through-composed
Adam De La Halle  Frequently in 3 to 6 voices
 >Also known as ADAM LE BOSSU ( Adam the Hunchback)
 >He was one of the oldest secular composers.  Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period
 >He was a French-born trouvere, poet, and musician. 1. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
His works include:  the greatest master of Roman Catholic church music
1. Le jeu de Robin et de Marion during renaissance period.
2. La Chanson du roi de Sicile  majority of his songs are SACRED MUSIC
 he was an organist and choir master.
 his POPE MARCELLUS MASS is held up as the perfect
Lesson 2: Music of Renaissance Period (1400-1600) example of counter-reformation style.
 Comes from the word “RENAITRE” which means “rebirth”, “revival”, and 2. Thomas Morley
“rediscovery”.  the most famous composer of secular music in his time.
 A period of “looking back” to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome.  most of his madrigals are light and easy to sing with
 The invention of printing in the 1400’s paved the way for a wide distribution of some aspects of Italian style.
renaissance composition.  His works include:
 This era was also known as the “GOLDEN AGE” of a capella choral music. Fire, Fire my Heart,Sing and Chant it,Fantasie ,April is in my
Mistress’ Face,It was a Lover and His Lass.
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
Lesson 3: Music of Baroque Period (1600-1750)  nicknamed “il Prete Rosso” (The Red Priest) because of his
 Derived from the Portuguese word “BARROCO” which means “Pearl of Irregular red hair.
Shape”.  an Italian baroque composer, catholic priest, and a
 Major and minor tonality was created in this period. virtuoso violinist.
 recognized as one of the greatest baroque composers.
 Characteristics of Baroque Period  known mainly for composing instrumental concertos as
well as sacred choral works.
 Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental.  his most famous piece is “THE FOUR SEASONS”
 Melodies are not easy to sing or remember.  this composition is a series of four violin concerti depicting
 Primarily contrapuntal textures with some each of the seasons – spring, summer, autumn, winter.
homophony.
 Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and
soft.
 Music genres – operas, oratorios, suites, toccatas, 3. George Friedich Handel
concerto grosso, fugue  remembered for his operas and oratorios.
 Orchestra consists of strings and continuo  England’s favorite composer
 Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard  lost both of his eyesight in 1753.
instruments that are commonly used.  the “MESSIAH” is Handel’s most famous creation and the
very well known “HALLELUJAH” chorus.
 Music Genres of Baroque Period

 Concerto- a form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied

by an orchestra.
 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.

 Famous Composer of Baroque Music

1. Johann Sebastian Bach

 came from a family of musicians.
 his beautiful soprano singing voice helped him to be
accepted at a school.
 known for his compositions for organ, orchestra, and
oratorio.
 His works include:
 Brandenburg Concerto
 Mass in B minor
 Cantata 208 and 211
 Fugue in G minor
 Works for clavichord and harpsichord

2. Antonio Vivaldi