Piano and Medieval Music: An Overview
The Piano: A String Instrument
The piano belongs to the string family, where the source of vibration determines the classification. String instruments are subdivided based on how the strings are vibrated:
- Bowed strings: A bow is used to rub and vibrate the strings (e.g., violin, viola, cello, bass).
- Plucked strings: Guitar, Harp.
- Plucked strings: Piano.
When a piano sounds, strings are set into vibration. The piano’s development can be traced back to the 18th-century Baroque and Classical periods. Bartolomeo Cristofori is credited with developing the modern piano from the clavichord. The piano is a polyphonic instrument, meaning it can produce several sounds simultaneously. It can replace the sound of an orchestra, unlike electronic instruments or synthesizers, where each key activates an electric sound through speakers.
Medieval Music
The Medieval period, spanning roughly from the year 467 (5th century) and lasting about 10 centuries, saw the rise of Gregorian chant. Gregorian chant was a type of music intended to bring us closer to God, serving as a form of prayer. Monks created this song, and some ancient manuscripts have survived. Gregorian chant is characterized by the presence of only melody. Only a small portion of the music from the Middle Ages has survived, as it was written on parchment. What we have is the last portion that was written.
It was a letter of a sentence to which a melodic line was added. In medieval music was cultivated by monks. In a cathedral choir is visiting. In the chorus there was a large lectern lectern called q, q holding large books. The monks misbehaving q punished him carry the book. The sign system developed the music developed in this century (Middle Ages) (imitative counterpoint, canon).We produce a polyphony. The piece Laudemus virginity is a song of pilgrims q LLibre preserved in the monastery of Montserrat Vermell. This book was copied in the late fourteenth century and is a collection of songs and dances sung q interpreted the faithful to go to the monastery said. Gregorian chant was present from the 5th century or 6th century to the 9th or 10th. Is the pope decides the q q Gregorian music was made that way. It was the only song allowed in the Church.
Folk Music in Spain
Spanish folk music has three primary sources:
- Mediterranean origin:
- Ancient Greco-Roman culture, especially that of Greece.
- Arab or Muslim culture: This influence is significant, with nearly 800 years of Arab presence in Spain. Spanish music shows a strong Arabic influence, particularly in melismatic melodies, where multiple sounds are produced on a single syllable.