Early Music History: Medieval to Renaissance Periods
Understanding Early Music Periods
Early Music refers to musical production from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century. Within this broad period, we can distinguish key eras such as the Medieval (roughly 9th to 15th century), the Renaissance (15th to 16th century), and the Baroque (17th century).
Medieval Music: Forms and Styles
Gregorian Chant Explained
Originating in the late 6th century, Gregorian chant is a form of religious singing performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). It features a single vocal line, often written on a tetragram (a four-line staff).
Gothic Music Innovations
Gothic music emerged with the development of polyphony (multiple independent melodic lines) and forms like the sequence, a small literary text set to music.
Medieval Secular Music
Secular music played a vital role outside the church. Key figures and forms include:
- Minstrels: These were poet-musicians who traveled from village to village and castle to castle, entertaining the public.
- Troubadours: Poets and musicians from a higher social class, often knights, who composed both text and melody. They adhered to strict rules of conduct and practiced courtly poetry.
- Cantiga: A poetic text set to music, cantigas could be either religious or secular. Troubadours and minstrels composed monodic music (single melodic line) with texts often written in Latin.
Evolution of Musical Notation
Musical notation evolved significantly during the Middle Ages. Early forms, such as neumes, indicated the general contour of the melody but not precise pitch. The modern staff, which allowed for the precise notation of sound height, appeared a century later, developed by Guido of Arezzo in the 11th century.
Instruments in Medieval Sacred Music
Initially, Gregorian chant in the Church was performed a cappella. However, the organ was gradually introduced as an accompaniment. For major celebrations, other instruments were used to highlight specific parts:
- Stringed Instruments: Harp
- Wind Instruments: Shawm (xirinia)
- Percussion Instruments: Drums
The organ itself saw several forms:
- The Organ: A pipe wind instrument with keyboards. References from the 3rd century BC describe a type of hydraulic organ, believed to be driven by water pressure.
- Portable Organ: A small organ carried on the shoulder, often used in processions.
- Positive Organ: A medium-sized organ placed on a table.
- Gallery Organ: A large, fixed organ typically placed in the cathedral gallery (common today).
The Renaissance Music Era
Key Characteristics of Renaissance Music
The Renaissance period (early 15th to late 16th century) saw significant musical developments:
- Development of advanced polyphonic techniques, including counterpoint and homophony.
- Increased prominence and production of secular music.
- Growth in the production of instrumental music, with more scores being written down.
- The center of thought shifted towards the individual, giving rise to humanism.
Renaissance Music Chronology
The Renaissance period spans from the early 15th century until the late 16th century.
The Early Renaissance was dominated by religious vocal music, particularly masses and motets. Sacred music held a prominent position during this phase.
The Protestant Reformation and Council of Trent
The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, caused significant changes in religious music. The Catholic Church responded with the Council of Trent, which established new rules for sacred music:
- Religious songs should primarily be in Latin.
- Polyphony should be clear to ensure text intelligibility, avoiding overly complex textures.
- Secular songs were strictly banned from temples.
Popular Renaissance Dance Forms
Dance was an integral part of Renaissance culture. Some of the most popular dances include:
- Tarantella (from Taranto, Italy)
- Sicilian (from Sicily, Italy)
- Allemande (German origin)
- Pavane (Spanish origin)
- Galliard (French origin)
- Sarabande (from Andalusia, Spain)
- Courante (French origin)
Prominent Renaissance Composers
The Renaissance produced many influential composers:
- Juan del Encina (Spain): Born in Salamanca in 1468, he studied law and served as director of shows for the Duke of Alba. His remains rest in Salamanca Cathedral. His compositions include Nadalets (Christmas carols) and romances.
- Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (Italy): Born in 1525, he is renowned as one of the greatest composers of sacred polyphonic music.
Renaissance Musical Instruments
Aerophones (Wind Instruments)
- Straight Trumpet
- Double Flute
- Recorder
- Transverse Flute
Chordophones (String Instruments)
- Viola da Gamba
- Guitar
- Lute
- Harpsichord (Clavicembalo)
Notable Instrument
A particularly highlighted instrument of the period was the Spanish Vihuela.