Medieval Music Period (700-1400) PDF

CN 1.1 MUSIC: Music of the Medieval Period (700 – 1400)  The Medieval period is also known as the Middle Ages or “Dark Ages” that started with the fall of the Roman Empire.  The Catholic church became the most powerful institution of the medieval period.  Music during the medieva...

CN 1.1 MUSIC: Music of the Medieval Period (700 – 1400)  The Medieval period is also known as the Middle Ages or “Dark Ages” that started with the fall of the Roman Empire.  The Catholic church became the most powerful institution of the medieval period.  Music during the medieval period was largely religious. Musical Forms of Medieval Period Sacred Music Gregorian Chant Secular Music Troubadour Music Gregorian Chant Gregorian chant was the official music of the Roman Catholic church for many years. Plainsong or Plainchant Gregorian Chant Monophonic plainchant or “Gregorian Chant” was named after Pope Gregory I, who made this the approved music of the Catholic Church. Neumes is the earliest root of modern musical notation. Neumes notation Characteristics of the Gregorian Chants Monophonic Free meter Usually based on Latin liturgy Use of Neume notation Troubadour Music Songs and dances that reflected every aspect of medieval life. Troubadours wrote about wide range of secular subjects though their common themes are about chivalry and courtly love. Troubadour Performer Minstrels Mini servant wandered among the courts and towns Regaled their audience with gossip and news. Jongleurs/Jongleuresse s Versatile entertainers Musical instruments, sang and danced, juggled and showed tricks, and perfumed with animal acts. Troubadours(Southern France) Trouveres (North of France) Travelling poet and musicians Flourished in the various courts of Europe Minnesingers Singers of Courtly love Characteristics of Troubadour Music Usually, monophonic Sometimes with Musical instrument Tells of chivalry and courtly love Originated in France Written in the French language Famous Composer of Medieval Period Adam de la Halle France, 1237 – 1288 Adam le Bossu (Adam the Hunchback). French-born trouvére, poet and musician oldest secular composers chansons and poetic debates. Adam dela Halle Famous works Le Jeu de Robin et de Marion La Chanson du roi de Sicile