Renaissance Music Period (1400-1600) PDF

CN 1.2 MUSIC: Music of the Renaissance Period (1400 – 1600)  The term – “Renaissance” comes from the word – “renaitre” which means “rebirth”, ― “revival”, and ― “rediscovery”. The Renaissance Period is a period of ― “looking back” to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome.  The inventio...

CN 1.2 MUSIC: Music of the Renaissance Period (1400 – 1600)  The term – “Renaissance” comes from the word – “renaitre” which means “rebirth”, ― “revival”, and ― “rediscovery”. The Renaissance Period is a period of ― “looking back” to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome.  The invention of printing in the 1400’s paved the way for a wide distribution of renaissance compositions.  Vocal polyphony reached its highest peak, thus it was also sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of Polyphony. Characteristics of Renaissance Music Mostly polyphonic Imitation among the voices is common Use of word painting in texts and music Vocal Music of the Renaissance Period  Mass is a form of sacred musical composition that sets texts of the Eucharistic liturgy into music. Characteristics of the Mass Polyphonic May be sung a cappella or with orchestral accompaniment Five Main Sections of Mass 1. Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) 2. Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest) 3. Credo (I Believe in One God) 4. Sanctus and Benedictus (Holy, holy and Blessed Is He) 5. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)  Madrigal A secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated from Italy. It is written and expressed in a poetic text and sung during courtly social gatherings. It is the most important secular form during the Renaissance period. Characteristics of the Madrigal Polyphonic Sung a cappella Frequently in 3 to 6 voices Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Born: February 3. 1525, Palestrina, Italy Died: February 2. 1594, Rome, Italy Savior of Church Music Greatest master of Roman Catholic Church music during the Renaissance period. Famous compositions: Pope Marcellus Mass  Thomas Morley Born: 1557, Norwich, United Kingdom Died: October 1602, London, United Kingdom Thomas Morley was the most famous composer of secular music in his time. Famous works: Fire, Fire, My Heart,