Medieval Music: Instruments, Scores, and History

The Middle Ages

Chronology

The Middle Ages began in the late 5th century, coinciding with the fall of the Roman Empire and the expansion of Christianity.

Socially, Europe was divided into many small territories in conflict, where feudal lords dominated, and the Pope established monasteries and abbeys throughout Europe.

Culturally, activity was concentrated mainly in monasteries, where monks cultivated the arts and sciences.

Musically, minstrels and troubadours appeared in some courts, but religious music

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Italian Opera: Origins, Evolution, and Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo

The Origins of Opera in Italy

Opera emerged from the addition of music to theatre in the late 16th century, occurring simultaneously with the dramatisation of music. For a work to be considered opera, there needed to be continuous musical action, and the influence of ancient Greek theatre was crucial. The declamatory, singing performance of text was the missing factor, brought in by means of the recitative. The themes of the earliest operas were generally pastoral or historical.

The 17th Century:

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Arnold Schoenberg and Joaquin Turina: Composers’ Legacies

Arnold Schoenberg (1871-1951)

Vienna. A key composer of the 20th century, representing a bridge between late Romantic language and the cerebral, atonal aesthetic of the new century. Largely self-taught, Schoenberg, along with Alban Berg and Anton Webern, developed the twelve-tone technique, forming the Second Viennese School. He was later exiled to the USA.

Schoenberg’s Four Periods

Tonal Period (1898-1908)

Early works with Romantic influences include:

  • Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night)
  • Gurre-Lieder:
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Musical Fundamentals: Education, Sound, and Perception

E. Fundamentals of Music

Fundamentals of Music: Valoreduc.musica: Education develops abilities: perception (hearing), speech (voice, body, instrument) and communication. It should be part of the comprehensive education of the person.

Real Artistic Education: Practice live performances. Sound lab.

Available to all: Non-gifted, gifted adults, children, and people with disabilities.

Freedom and creativity, spontaneity, imagination, creative process are most important, not just results.

Learning process:

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Traditional Music of Africa and the Maghreb

Regional Divisions of African Music

African music can be broadly divided into the following regions:

  • The Maghreb: The northern fringe of the continent, encompassing countries of Arabic culture, extending from Morocco to Egypt.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: The region south of the Sahara Desert. This can be further divided into three zones:
    • Western: The coast of Guinea, home to powerful kingdoms before European domination. A notable instrument is the kora.
    • Central: Occupied by countries like Zaire, Uganda, and
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Carlo Maderno: Key Architectural Achievements and Influences

Carlo Maderno: Architectural Achievements

Among the most important and influential works, we can point to the Collegiate Church of San Luis:

“They reinforce the corners of the facade of ashlar to rope and brand.

“The single door, highlighted by a curved pediment trim and molding that on reaching the doorway is widened to form the baroque Earmuffs on this simple shield over Flia shields. Ulloa that form a triangle with the window.

-Slats carried by the central thrusts of the vaults to the side with Herrera

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