Download Unit 2: Renaissance

15th – 17th century
Guillaume Dufay
(1397-1474)

 Important transitional figure, very influential
 Burgundian School: one of the first academic groups
(first phase of Franco-Flemish school).
 Music spread and copied by everyone after him –
even though he came before music printing!
 Very intellectual : Music math, number symbology
Musical Importance

 Helped change Medieval into Renaissance in rhythm and
harmony! (isorhythm to polyphony to fauxbourdon)
 Some say he invented “Fauxbourdon” – new use of
intervals; early version of chords!
 Well-versed in all forms/theories of the day: Mass, motet,
Magnificat, hymn, and secular forme fixe (rondeaux, ballades,
and virelais) and chanson.
 Known for being gifted in the study of form as well as the
art of melody.
Cathedral of
Florence 1436
 Rosarum Flores
Nuper
Music
math!
28 is
“perfect”
6:4:2:3
Fauxbourdon:
How do intervals make chords?

Listening Examples
Merging Sacred and Secular

 Motet: Lamentatio Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae
Constantinopolitanae
Language: Vernacular French = Secular!
Words: Metaphor of mother with God’s son = Sacred!
Topic: Lament for Constantinople (Christian war story) = both!
Musical Content: Instrument, polyphonic/counterpoint = Secular
 Kyrie: L'homme armé
Language: Latin = Sacred
Musical Content:
Original melody is French Folk song = Secular!
Cantus Firmus melody and strict harmonies = Sacred!