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Renaissance Music
Medieval Music
This period lasted from the 11th to the 15th century. Works from this
period included, religious vocal works such as the Chant and the Mass.
The music was MODAL as keys had not been invented yet. It also used
both melismatic and syllabic word setting.
The Plainchant (plainsong or chant)
This was a religious vocal work which was associated with Monks. It was
sung by male voices. It consisted of a single line of music sung in unison.
It was also sung in modes.
The Mass
This is a large scale vocal work based on the Roman Catholic mass
services. The mass is split into 5 main sections.
These are: Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus Benedictus
Agnus Dei
These words are heard in each of the sections named. The mass uses a lot
of polyphony and melisma is also a common feature.
Renaissance music
This period lasted from 1430 to the end of the 16th century. This period
saw new styles created in both the instrumental and the vocal music. A
feature of Renaissance music was the imitative polyphony. Two
instruments popular at the time were the Lute and the Recorder.
Composers from this period were Tallis, Byrd and Palestrina. A Consort
from this period is a small group of instruments from the same family
playing together.
Instrumental Music
Pavan
The Pavan is a dance which is usually played on a keyboard instrument. It
is a slow dance with 2 beats in the bar.
Galliard
The Galliard is another dance which usually follows the Pavan. It is a fast
dance with 3 beats in the bar.
Vocal Music
Madrigal
This is a non-religious vocal piece for several voices. It is usually sung in
English. Madrigals are quite lively sounding pieces using imitation, word
painting and polyphony. It sometimes has an instrumental
accompaniment.
Ballett
The Ballett is a version of the Madrigal. It is in strophic form and has a fala-la chorus. It is usually more homophonic than the Madrigal.
Motet
The motet is usually a religious vocal composition. It is often sung in
Latin. It is a polyphonic composition with at least 4 parts. Early motets
were sung a cappella but they later used instruments.
Anthem
A short choral work based on religious text. It is usually sung in English.
It used contrapuntal vocal parts sometimes unaccompanied and
sometimes with an organ accompaniment.
Air
An Air was a slow and simple melody which was either played or sung. It
was either played by an ensemble or perhaps a solo voice with lute
accompaniment.