Music History: From Ancient Greece to the Troubadours
Ancient Greece
Greece: Music was very important for society. The great philosophers spoke of music, and thought it must be part of the education of children and adults. They believed music influenced the character of the person listening. Authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Pythagoras contributed to music theory. Pythagoras linked music to mathematical principles, defining harmonic intervals based on numerical ratios:
- ½: Octave Interval
- 2/3: Perfect Fifth
- ¾: Perfect Fourth
- 4/5: Major Third
- 5/6: Minor Third
These ratios were observed in strings and tubes. He also realized that tightening strings changed the pitch, and the Greeks worked with the tetrachord, a four-note scale. Two tetrachords form a scale. Music was used in major social events, often without text, and was present in Greek tragedies.
Gothic Period
Gothic: This period covers the twelfth century. It originated in France and uses the pointed arch. With less wall space and more windows, high-rise structures with spires create a sense of elevation. This art is found in churches and cathedrals. Gothic art relates to Gregorian chant, a serene monody, and Gothic song relates to polyphony and lively rhythm.
Ars Nova
Ars Nova: Born in France, this movement sought to detach music from Gregorian chant. The concept of isorhythm (same rhythm and color) appeared, along with mensural notation (with ratings). Musical phrases became more consistent. A new concept, the final cadence, emerged, marking the beginnings of harmony, secular music, and shorter note values.
Gregorian Chant
Gregorian: Its origins lie in traditional Jewish worship. During the time of Rome, authorities disagreed with these rites in secret, as they met in catacombs or small houses. Since the first Christians were Jews, they sang similarly. Singing was responsorial, with a soloist believed to be the former lead singer of the synagogue. These services were often held at sunset. The music was sung and memorized, and it was fairly simple. Initially, instruments accompanied the singing, but two centuries later, they were removed. Instrumental accompaniment was not allowed in the rite until the tenth century, making it a cappella. Anthems began to be sung, starting with psalms. The Eucharist became a central part of the rite, and more events were gradually added throughout the day.
The parts of the Mass are always the ordinary and the proper. From the third century, songs were used and often copied popular folk melodies.
Minstrels and Troubadours
Minstrels and Troubadours: Troubadours were more educated than minstrels and often sang of noble and cultured women. This movement was born in the eleventh century in southern France. The troubadours composed both music and text. With the rise of the bourgeoisie, they were sometimes hired. They sang in the Provencal language.
Trouvères emerged 50 years later than the troubadours, in northern France, and their language was French. The movement ended 50 years later than the troubadours. There are 4000 texts, with 30% including music. They had more types of songs than the troubadours, and their influence extended across Germany, Spain, and Italy.