PowerPoint Presentation - MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE

Music From The
Medieval
&
Renaissance
Periods
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Medieval Music
The Medieval Period in music is considered to include music from
the birth of Christianity until around 1450. Although this covers
many years, the pace of change in music during this time was
relatively slow. The musical features that were present at this time
included the Modal System, Plainchant and Organum.
Example of MEDIEVAL MUSIC
The Renaissance Period lasted from 1450 to around 1600 and saw
the musical features and developmental changes increase.
Example of RENAISSANCE MUSIC
The System Of MODES
Music during the Medieval and Renaissance Period was very
different to what we are used to in the 20th century.
Tonality as we know it did not exist (i.e. Major & Minor,)
Music during the Medieval period was based on a System of
Modes of which there are 12.
Music of this period was therefore Modal.
The system of Modes is thought to have originated in Greece
where an attempt was made to put available sounds into order.
Example of MODAL
The ‘Authentic’ Modes
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Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Example of MODES
The Six Modes In Notation
Example of MODES
Modes continued…
The ordering of the notes slowly evolved throughout the
early centuries, and by the time of Pope Gregory (540 604) had developed into 12 Modes which musicians are
familiar with today.
The system of Modes presented a major breakthrough in
the history of tonality with the earliest Harmonised
music - where two or more notes sound together - (from
around 900 - 1450) - being based entirely on these
modes.
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Plainchant and Organum
Plainchant is also known as Plainsong and Gregorian Chant.
It consists of an unaccompanied melody set to words of the Roman Catholic
liturgy, such as the Mass.
Plainchants are Modal and have no regular metre.
They follow the rhythm of the Latin words.
Where there is an additional line, in other words another part, this is called
Organum.
The additional part is normally the interval of a fourth or a fifth below the
original line.
Example of PLAINCHANT
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The Mass
The Mass is a Sacred Choral Work using the main sections of
the Roman Catholic liturgy. It is usually sung A Capella, and
can include other forms, such as the Motet.
Mauchaut’s setting “Messes de Notre Dame” from the 13th
century is one of the earliest Polyphonic settings of the
sections which make up the Ordinary of the Mass - Kyrie,
Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei.
Example of a MASS
Return To Chart
Recorder
This family of instruments has no reed
at all, therefore the timbre is soft and
pure.
Recorders were very popular in the
Tudor period. They were made in
various sizes, and households used to
own a ‘Chest of Recorders.’
It was Arnold Dolmetsch who
encouraged the modern use of
Recorders.
Return To Instrument Chart
Shawm
Shawms were in existence in the Middle Ages.
They were made in seven sizes.
At a later stage they were called ‘Hautbois’.
These instruments were the forerunners of our present
oboe.
Return To Instrument Chart
Crumhorn
The Crumhorn, was by far the most
common, and possibly the most
popular of the reed-cap instruments.
It has a slender, hooked tube shape.
The name means literally ‘curved
horn.’
Return To Instrument Chart
Trumpet
The development of the modern Trumpet can be
traced back over thousands of years. All the
major civilizations of the past produced
trumpets, although our knowledge of these
instruments relies more on contemporary
illustrations and sculptures than on surviving
instruments.
Most ancient Trumpets were straight or hooked
and had a long, almost cylindrical tube and a
slightly flaring bell.
Return To Instrument Chart
Sackbut
Sackbut was the name given to Trombones in the
Middle Ages.
The origin of the word ‘Sackbut’ remains uncertain.
Return To Instrument Chart
Instruments
Early Woodwind & Brass Instruments:
Recorder
Shawm
Trumpet
Crumhorn
Sackbut
Return To Chart
Can’t get enough…?
Click on the links below to visit these useful Websites
Ear Training
Liberton High School Music Department - Revision
Essentials of Music - Medieval - 20th Century
Classical Music Education Sites
Music From The
Medieval
&
Renaissance
Periods