Introduction to the Middle Ages Flashcards
When were the Middle Ages?
476-1450, or the fall of the Roman Empire to the fall of Constantinople
How was music transmitted in the Middle Ages?
Orally
Where and by who was most music in the Middle Ages performed?
People of the church, and in the church and at home
How was Middle Ages music written?
With neumes (early notes) and a 4 line staff
How was music in the Middle Ages limited by their singers?
The monks and priests were not professional singers and could not sing large leaps or too high or low
What were the instruments used in the Church?
Organ+voice
What were “formes fixes”
A poetic form of text that involved a series of repetitions and a refrain, similar to a chorus
What were the most common forms of “formes fixes”?
rondeau, virelai, ballade
What was the music of the Middle Ages loosely based on?
Modes
What does a cappella mean?
without musical instruments
What are the 2 main textures of Middle Age music?
Monophonic + Polyphonic
What is monophonic texture?
A style of music having only one line of melody and no accompaniment
What is polyphonic texture?
A style of music having more than one line of melody
What is a plainchant?
A chant characterized by a monophonic texture, modal melodies, a narrow melodic range and no set meter (unmeasured prose rhythm)
