Medieval Music 700-1400

Study Notes

Known as the Middle Ages or "Dark Ages," beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire.
Christian Church played a significant role in shaping culture and political affairs in Europe.

Defined as music specifically composed for religious services.
Pope Gregory I associated with the development of Gregorian Chant.
Monophonic Plainchant was the dominant form, introduced as oral traditions later notated for wider dissemination across Europe.

Composed for non-religious purposes, often expressing themes outside of spirituality.
Troubadours, musicians of medieval France, were known for performing this genre.

Adam de la Halle (1237 - 1288), also known as Adam the Hunchback.
Born in France and linked to notable patrons like Robert II and Charles of Anjou.
Initially destined for church service, but later married, indicating a blend of secular influences in his compositions.
Recognized as one of the earliest secular composers in this era.

Renaissance translates to "Rebirth," reflecting a renewed interest in the classical arts and ancient cultures.
This period is often referred to as the Golden Age of a cappella music.

The printing press invention in the 1400s allowed for broader distribution of compositions.
Growth of the bourgeois class contributed to music becoming a popular pastime for educated amateurs.
The lute emerged as a prominent instrument during this era, while the influence of the Roman Catholic Church began to decline, leading to an increase in secular music.

Predominantly polyphonic, featuring multiple independent melody lines.
Imitation between voices is common, creating a rich texture.
Use of word painting, where the music reflects the text's meaning.
Melodic lines flow smoothly with fewer large leaps, making them more accessible for performers.

Mass Music: Sacred compositions setting Eucharistic texts to music.
- Characterized by polyphony and can be a cappella or orchestral.
- Text can be syllabic, neumatic, or melismatic.
Sections of Mass Music:
- Kyrie: "Lord Have Mercy"
- Gloria: "Glory to God in the highest"
- Credo: Apostles/Nicaean Creed
- Sanctus and Benedictus: "Holy, Holy" / "Blessed is He"
- Agnus Dei: "Lamb of God"
Madrigal: Secular vocal polyphonic music, originated in Italy, often sung at social gatherings.
- Characteristics include polyphony, a cappella performance, and frequent use of 3-6 voices.

Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina (1525 – 1594):
- Renowned as the greatest Roman Catholic church musician.
- Known for his majority focus on sacred music and compositions reflecting the Counter-Reformation style.
Thomas Morley (1557 – 1602):
- An accomplished singer from Norwich, England, who contributed significantly to the Renaissance vocal music repertoire.