Music of the Medieval Period

Study Notes

Sacred music is considered holy and created for religious contexts, predominantly the church.
Secular music is intended for a non-religious audience.
Troubadours were musicians performing secular music across Europe.

Adam de la Halle (also known as Adam le Bossu) was destined for the church but eventually married.
Known for "Le Jeu de Robin et de Marion," the earliest surviving secular French play with music.
Other works include "La Chanson du roi de 12 Sicile."
His contributions include chansons and poetic debates.

The term "Renaissance" means "rebirth," reflecting a revival of interest in ancient Greece and Rome.
The invention of printing in the 1400s allowed for broader distribution of Renaissance music.
Increased popularity of music as entertainment among amateurs and the educated populace.
Secular music gained prominence; recognized as the golden age of a cappella choral music.
The lute emerged as the leading instrument during the Renaissance era.

A sacred musical composition setting texts of the Eucharistic liturgy to music.
Main sections of the Mass are Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Benedictus, and Agnus Dei.

A secular vocal polyphonic music form originating from Italy.
Performed during courtly social gatherings; considered the most important secular form of the Renaissance.
Characteristics include polyphonic texture, a cappella performance, and 3-6 vocal parts.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is regarded as the greatest master of the Roman Catholic Church music during the Renaissance.
Majority of Palestrina’s works are sacred music, aligning with church aspirations.
Served as organist and choir master at significant churches like Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
His first published book, "MASS," was highly appreciated by Pope Julius III.
Thomas Morley hailed from Norwich, England, and began singing in the local cathedral.
Became the master of choristers at age 26 and was the prominent composer of secular music during his time.
Studied under William Byrd and earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Oxford.
Later became an organist at St. Paul's Cathedral and published collections of madrigals.