Medieval and Renaissance Music History
Medieval Music
Instruments and Origins
- Aulos: Associated with warship, wine, and Dionysus.
- Lyre: Associated with Apollo.
- Kithara: Associated with Helios.
Gregorian Chant
- Texture: Monophonic
- Syllabic: One syllable per note.
- Neumatic: Two to four notes per syllable.
- Melismatic: Five or more notes per syllable.
- Characteristics:
- Religious text written in Latin.
- Monophonic texture.
- No regular metric accent.
- Vocal music without instruments.
- Anonymous composers.
Secular Music (11th-13th Century)
- Troubadours: Composer-poets
Indian Classical Music: Ragas, Instruments, and Devotional Forms
Hindustani music places more emphasis on improvisation and *exploring* all aspects of a raga, while Carnatic music is primarily composition-based. The central notion in both of these systems is that of a melodic musical mode, or raga, sung to a rhythmic cycle, or tala. It is melodic music, with no concept of harmony. A raga (or raag) is a melodic framework for improvisation akin to a melodic mode in Indian classical music. While the rāga is a remarkable and central feature of the classical music
Read MoreMedieval 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
Read MoreItalian 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:
Read MoreArnold 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:
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:
Read More