HISTORY OF
WESTERN MUSIC
MEDIEVAL, RENAISSANCE &
BAROQUE PERIOD
What is Medieval Period?
Known as Middle Ages/Dark
Ages
The type of music from this period
is called Gregorian Chant.
Medieval music considered both
as sacred and secular music.
Instruments used are flute, lyre,
lute, mandore, gittern and zither.
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Gregorian Chant
a form of unaccompanied monophonic
song used by the Western Catholic Church
compilation of plainsongs
Gregorian Chant
Characteristics
- Monophonic
- Free Meter
- Modal
- Usually based on Latin Liturgy
- Use of Neume notation
they were poets and groups
of musicians of the 11th and
12th centuries.
performed during worship
services, mass, meetings and
parties.
the kind of music played by
Troubadours troubadours was secular music
Also known as Adam the Hunchback
was destined for the church but he
eventually married.
self-proclaimed genius, describing
himself as Master because of his
composition/ completion of some
advanced studies.
Musical works were about concept of
love and passion
Adam De la Halle
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Comes from the word “renaitre” means
“rebirth, revival and rediscovery”.
The invention of printing paved the way for a
wide distribution of renaissance music.
Though sacred music was still of great
importance, secular music became more
prominent in Renaissance Period.
What is Renaissance Period?
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Characteristics of Renaissance Music
Mostly Polyphonic
Imitation among the voices is
common
Development of Word Painting
Melodies are easier to perform
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VOCAL MUSIC
MASS
SONGS MOTET MADRIGAL
- is form of sacred a polyphonic choral - unaccompanied
musical composition works in latin sacred vocal piece
that sets text of the text but sometimes - written and
Eucharistic liturgy considered a secular expressed in a poetic
into music. music text
was born in Palestrina, Rome
an Italian composer, considered as the
greatest master of Renaissance Catholic music.
He composed more than 100 masses with the
Pope Marcellus Mass published in 1567 as the
best
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
“ Saviour of the Roman Catholic Church”
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was born in Norwich in 1557
was an English composer
His works had remained in the repertory to
the present day, and show a wider variety of
emotional color, form and technique than
anything by other composers of the period.
Thomas Morley
“ Father of English Madrigal”
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What is Baroque Period?
came from the word “barroco” or
“oddly shaped pearl”
Literature and music prospered in
affections and expressive feeling ,still the
music serves the purpose of the Catholic
Church
Vocal Forms of Baroque Period: Opera
and Oratorio
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Characteristics of Baroque Music
Unity of Mood
Grand, ornate and Lively
Thick and complex polyphonic
texture prevails in many composers
works.
Elicit audience’s emotion such as
sadness, joy and fear through music.
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VOCAL FORMS
OPERA ORATORIO
- is form of song drama (musical
dramatic composition) - a dramatic musical
composition based from the
- it has five basic elements religious theme for solo voice,
namely libretto, singers, chorus and orchestra without
orchestra, the use of costume, action,
stage/costumes/scenery,
and scenery.
Actors/actresses.
came from a family of musicians
was born in Germany
he became a church organist at the
age of 18
Johann Sebastian Bach
“One of the Greatest Composers of All Time”
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Was born in Italy
He is known for the popular Four
Seasons where he composes one for
Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring
Antonio Vivaldi
“ The Red Priest”
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was born in Germany
he started composing at the age of 11
until 17
his work, The Messiah, is the popular
Oratorios in history. It is usually
performed during Christmas seasons.
George Frideric Handel
“ England’s Favorite Composer”
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Let’s check your understanding!
1. Common Characteristics of Medieval,
Renaissance & Baroque Period.
2. In terms of characteristics, where did each
period differ?
3. Differences of Mass, Motet & Madrigal.
4. Differences of Opera & Oratorio.
END OF
DISCUSSION
