Anglo-Saxon England Literature and Medieval Works
Anglo-Saxon England (5th-11th)
The literature of this era was created for oral transmission. Oral composition, with texts written down five centuries later. Folk literature included work songs, sung by slaves and soldiers.
Charms (5th-9th)
Gadmund’s poem was created after the Saxon invasion of England, following the Roman Catholic retreat. Gadmun is a name of pagan origin. The poem aimed to curse bad people and was used to recover stolen goods.
- No rhyme at the end of the line.
- Repetitions.
- Periphrasis
Renaissance Music: Sacred, Secular, and Instrumental Forms
Religious Music in the Counter-Reformation (16th Century)
The musical Renaissance in Italy culminated with the Council of Trent and the prominent figure of Palestrina. The Council of Trent aimed to create a musical art form that would serve as a defense against heresy, characterized by four qualities:
- Elimination of all profane aspects from the music.
- Music should serve the text.
- Use of Latin to easily reach the ear.
- The song should not provide mere satisfaction to the ear.
Thus, the Council of Trent
Read MoreMedieval and Renaissance Music: History and Characteristics
Unit 3: Music in the Middle Ages
From the 5th to the 14th century, music was primarily heard in churches and monasteries. Monasteries listened to Gregorian chant.
Characteristics of Gregorian Chant:
- Texture: Monodic, a single voice
- Timbre: Vocal, a cappella, no instruments
- Text: Latin
- Composer: Anonymous, they did not sign their names out of humility
- Movement: Slow, no rush
- Rhythm: No marked beats, open, dependent on the text, not repetitive
- Melody: Long, according to the text or voice
- Character: Relaxing,
Spain’s Golden Age: Renaissance and Baroque Eras
Item 6 – Golden Age: Renaissance and Baroque
1. The Historical Framework
The Golden Age of Spain spans from the end of the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella (late 15th – early 16th century) to the death of the last Habsburg ruler, Charles II (1700). During this period, Spain reached its peak in political power and territorial expansion. The discovery of America (1492), strategic marriages with the Habsburgs, and the brief annexation of Portugal added vast territories to the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon,
Read MoreEvolution of Opera: From Germany to Italy
German Opera
German opera largely evolved from the Italian style. It truly began with Beethoven’s Fidelio. However, it was Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) who fully embraced this genre. His works include Der Freischütz, Oberon, and Euryanthe. In 1812, he also published a Singspiel, Abu Hassan. These three operas share important common elements, including the use of the supernatural and the wonderful. They all incorporate great arias for the main characters, contrasting with romances for the minor
Read MoreMexican Rock Music: Evolution and Key Bands
Mexican Rock Music: From the 50s to Today
In the 1950s and 1960s, Rock and Roll from the U.S. arrived in Mexico, especially through Elvis Presley, and imitators appeared everywhere. Presley’s figure was decisive, as much as The Beatles. However, after the movement of 1968 (Plaza de Tlatelolco), rock was prohibited and went underground. This began the genesis of its own movement, based in Tijuana.
The 1960s: The Beginning
In 1961, the scene started strong with groups like:
- Los Rebeldes del Rock
- Los Teen