Medieval and Renaissance Music Overview

Composers from the Low Countries (Flanders) during the Renaissance, like Jean Mouton & Claude Le Jeune. This region includes modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France.

A period in English music history (1558-1603) featuring sacred music by William Byrd & Thomas Tallis, and the English madrigal tradition.

A style of 16th-century Spanish music known for its polyphonic (multi-voice) compositions, exemplified by composer Tomás Luis de Victoria.

Characterized by highly ornamented melodies showcasing virtuosic singers. Italian Baroque music emphasized vocal brilliance with elaborate embellishments.

Emphasized ornamentation not on melodies, but on chords. This created a different texture compared to Italian baroque music.

Baroque composers like Bach and Vivaldi published their works primarily to increase their income and reputation.

Musicians competed for positions in royal courts, churches, and public venues. The concept of freelance musicianship emerged, allowing composers like Handel to shift between court employment and public performances.

This notation lacked meter and note hierarchy, with earliest examples found in Gregorian chant manuscripts. Rhythm was not structured, preventing harmony.

Developed during the Ars Nova period (1300s), this notation introduced a hierarchy of shapes to categorize rhythm values. Beats could be subdivided into 2 and 3, allowing for syncopation.

Smaller rhythm divisions and the introduction of time signatures characterized late medieval notation.

A type of monophonic, unaccompanied Gregorian chant sung in Latin during the Medieval period. It formed the foundation of liturgical music in the Roman Catholic Church.

The 'tenor' played a prominent role in Medieval music, often serving as a foundational melodic line or drone.

The invention of the printing press during the Renaissance era significantly impacted music by facilitating wider distribution of musical scores.

The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, marking a significant turning point in history and the beginning of European colonization.

These are iconic works of art and literature from the Renaissance era, showcasing the period's artistic and cultural achievements. The Mona Lisa is a famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, David is a renowned sculpture by Michelangelo, the School of Athens is a fresco by Raphael, and Romeo and Juliet is a classic tragedy by Shakespeare.

A religious movement in the 16th century that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of Protestant denominations. Key figures include Martin Luther.

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aimed at addressing concerns about corruption and reforming its doctrines and practices.

A series of meetings held by the Catholic Church in the 16th century to address the issues raised by the Protestant Reformation, leading to reforms and reaffirmations within the Catholic faith.

A type of monophonic chant, standardized by the Roman Church and influential in medieval music.

A period of cultural and artistic flourishing in Europe, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a renewed interest in classical art and learning.