MAPEH: Music of the Medieval Period Quiz

Western Plainchant and Gregorian Chant

• Central tradition of Western plainchant during the Medieval period is Gregorian Chant.
• Gregorian Chant is probably named after Pope Gregory I, who was influential in its development.
• Characteristic texture of Gregorian Chant is monophonic, consisting of a single melodic line without harmony.
• Utilizes neumatic notation, which represents pitch with symbols rather than staff lines.

Troubadour Music

• Troubadour Music is a term describing secular music from the Medieval period.
• Intended for non-religious purposes, focusing on themes like love and chivalry.
• Associated with composers and singers known as troubadours, who were active in the Occitan-speaking regions of France.
• Adam de la Halle, also known as Adam Le Bossu, is a notable figure in this genre.
• This music represents the cultural and social practices of the time.

Renaissance Music and Its Characteristics

• Renaissance Music originated in Italy and marked a shift toward humanism in art and culture.
• Characterized by its aim to evoke emotion through dynamic contrast and smooth polyphonic textures.
• The term 'a capella' refers to vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment.
• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is renowned for his sacred compositions for the Roman Catholic Church.

Musical Forms and Terminology

• The musical form involving alteration between a small group of instruments and a full orchestra is called concerto.
• 'Kyrie Eleison' is a prayer of mercy in Greek.
• 'Agnus Dei' translates to 'Lamb of God' in Latin.
• The term 'renaitre' means "to be reborn."
• Gregorian Chant is a form of sacred song within the Western Roman Catholic Church.

Other Notable Contributions

• Renaissance Music is also known as the golden age of choral music.
• The Baroque period is noted for striving to evoke emotion through dramatic contrasts in dynamics.
• The term 'monody' describes a solo vocal style with a single melodic line supported by instrumental accompaniment.
• Harpsichord and organ were the predominant instruments used in Baroque music.
• Thomas Morley is recognized as the father of the English madrigal.
• Monophonic texture is principally associated with the Medieval period of music.