Musical Instruments of the Middle Ages: A Historical Overview
Musical Instruments of the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, many instruments were performed on several occasions, such as by troubadours and minstrels to accompany their songs, liven up parties, or even in church musical ensembles.
Plucked String Instruments
- Harp: Was triangular with ten or twelve strings.
- Psaltery: An instrument of the zither family, played with a plectrum. It is triangular in shape and small in size. After the thirteenth century, it became popular to play with a bow, and in the
Music’s Evolution: From Oral Tradition to the Digital Age
Oral and Written Transmission of Music
Item 3: Throughout history, there have been two primary channels for disseminating music: oral and written. Oral transmission was the norm in Europe until the 9th century, when the first musical documents appeared. One of the main effects of oral transmission is that the material is often modified during the learning process. However, with the expansion of the repertoire and the emergence of the first polyphonic works, it became necessary to use written notation.
Read MoreMusical Instruments and Vocal Techniques: A Comprehensive Study
Musical Instruments and Vocal Techniques
Musical Instruments
Instruments are characterized by the existence of three basic elements for the production of sound: the type of the vibrating material, a mechanism capable of vibrating the material, and a soundboard that amplifies the sound.
String Instruments
String instruments: The sound is produced by the vibration of one or more strings stretched between two points. Depending on the ways in which the strings vibrate, we distinguish:
Bowed Strings: The
Understanding the Elements of Music and Sound
Music:
A system for expression of feelings, music has played different roles throughout history.
Acoustics:
Acoustics is the science that studies the physics of sound fundamentals.
Height:
Height depends on the number of vibrations per second; treble and bass sounds produced are measured in hertz (Hz).
Musical Expression:
- Notes
- Scales
- Staves
- Clefs
Intensity:
Intensity depends on the vibration or wave and produces soft and loud sounds, measured in decibels (dB). Overtones (piano, forte, mezzo forte) are regulators.
Read MoreFlamenco and Film Music History
70s: Music in Film
Apocalypse Now and Psychedelic Influence
The film “Apocalypse Now” uses psychedelic music reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This era saw the influence of composers like Johann and Richard Strauss. In European cinema, particularly Italian cinema, composer Nino Rota created scores for Federico Fellini’s films, including “Amarcord.” Psychedelic music also drew inspiration from rock operas like “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The rise of disco clubs is reflected in
Read MoreThe Role of Music in Film, Television, Video Games, and Advertising
Music in Film
Classical Music in Film
Directors often utilize existing classical pieces in their films instead of commissioning original scores. Sometimes, films recreate the lives of classical musicians or performers, where the music plays a crucial diegetic role.
Music in Television
Music serves two primary functions on television:
- Structural Element: Music introduces and separates television segments, marking the beginning or end of program sections.
- Ambience: Music sets the mood and predisposes the