The Renaissance: Music, Humanism, and Cultural Rebirth

At the beginning of the 15th century, Europe experienced significant social, cultural, and religious transformations, paving the way for a new era known as the Renaissance, meaning “rebirth.” During the 15th and 16th centuries, the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome were revived. This period saw the rise of humanism, an intellectual and cultural movement centered on the belief that human beings are the center of the universe. This contrasted sharply with the theological perspectives of the medieval

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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/
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Romanesque and Gothic Art in Europe: Architecture, Painting

Romanesque Art

From the eleventh century, a new artistic style spread throughout Western Europe. We call it Romanesque art. Religiosity is the most important feature of Romanesque art. Religious influence on architecture was notable in the types of buildings, because the most representative were churches, cathedrals, and monasteries. In religious painting and sculpture, the search for the spiritual meaning of things was present. Another feature of Romanesque art is the use of symbols. Everything

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African and American Music Styles: A Concise Overview

African Music Styles

Africa

  • Main Styles:
    • Songs of work: Cacons
    • Various activities related to daily/private life: Music interpreted in small groups, family areas, smoother sound, dominated by instruments.
    • Music publishing: Music interpreted in tribal celebrations, involving a large group, often emphasizing percussion.
  • Purpose: African music is conceived as an integral part of life. Social music is a collective manifestation.
  • Texture: Polyphony and monodic songs. Question and response between soloist and
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Standard Ballroom Dances: Waltz and Tango

Standard and Latin Ballroom Dances

There are two main styles of ballroom dances: Standard and Latin. This article focuses on the Standard dances.

Standardization of Ballroom Dances

In 1924, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) took the initiative to standardize ballroom dances. The Dance Sport Committee, a team within the ISTD, was responsible for this challenging task. Key members included Josephine Bradley, Lisle Humphreys, Eve Tymegate-Smith, and Victor Sylvester, all outstanding

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Farnese Palace and Gesu Church: Architecture & History

Farnese Palace

The facade, designed by Antonio da Sangallo, projects the grandeur of the palace, which was later completed by Michelangelo. The window cornice, supported on a bracket, gradually replaces the traditional capitals.

Medici Tomb in San Lorenzo

The pediment is also supported on cantilevers, a feature along with stipe, that slowly introduces elements typical of Mannerism.

Chiesa del Sacro Nome di Gesù, Rome

Church of the Gesù (Jesuits)

This church significantly influenced many churches of

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