Middle Ages Flashcards
(29 cards)
monophonic texture
- “mono” means one
- music consisting of a single line of melody (referred to as a “voice”)
- no harmony or accompaniment
polyphonic texture
- “poly” means many
- two or more independent melodic lines (or voices) heard simultaneously
- referred to as contrapuntal texture
modes
- scale patterns distinguished by their unique order of half steps and whole steps
- served as the source for melodies in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
- generally referred to by their original Greek names (Dorian, Phrygian, etc.)
neumes
- the earliest form of notation in Western art music
- small notational symbols - originally indicating the direction of the melodic line
- later in the shape of squares or diamonds positioned on a staff and representing specific pitches
a cappella
- Latin for “in the chapel”
- vocal music without instrumental accompaniment
- characteristic feature of vocal music in Middle Ages and Renaissance
plainchant
- sometimes called “plainsong”
- monophonic texture
- modal melodies
- relatively narrow melodic range
- unmeasured prose rhythm
Gregorian chant
- a form of plainchant
- sacred, liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church, generally with Latin texts
- modal, monophonic melodies with unmeasured rhythm
- named after Pope Gregory the Great
syllabic text setting
- one note for a single syllable of text
- text can be clearly understood
neumatic text setting
- several notes (two to four) for a single syllable of text
responsorial singing
- a method of performance
- solo voice alternates with chorus
- solo passages referred to as “verse”
- choral passages referred to as “respond”
melismatic text setting
- many notes for a single syllable of text
- the most elaborate and florid form of text setting
Mass
- the most important service in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church
- includes prayers, readings from the Bible, and a reenactment of the Last Supper, referred to as the Eucharist or Holy Communion
- consists of texts that are variable according to the church calendar (Proper) and texts that remain the same (Ordinary)
- became an important genre, particularly during the Renaissance era
Mass Proper
- changing, variable prayers of the Mass
- linked to church calendar
- sections include: Gradual, Introit, Communion, Alleluia
gradual
- the fourth section of the Mass Proper (variable texts)
- texts of the gradual are based primarily on the Psalms (poetic texts from the Old Testament)
- generally melismatic and performed in a responsorial style
Elements of Musical Style in the Middle Ages Texture Notation Melodic Range Rhythm
Texture - music evolved from a single-lined texture (monophony) to more complex, multivoiced works (polyphony).
Notation - The Middle Ages witnessed the development of a system of notation that still exists today.
Melodic Range - a relatively narrow range
Rhythm - the evolution of rhythm coincides with the development of notation and the emergence of polyphony. The flexible, unmeasured rhythm associated with plainchant gave way to a more structured approach.
When did the Middle Ages take place?
ca 476 - ca 1450
What specific periods was the Middle Ages divided into?
Early Christian, Romanesque and Gothic
Why was the Middle Ages known as the “Dark Ages”?
It was associated with plagues, lawlessness, religious conflicts, constant wars and repressive feudal societies
What developments took place in the Middle Ages?
rise of polyphony, continuing advancements in notation, poets and writers could express themselves in their “home” languages.
What was music’s primary function in the Middle Ages?
- to enhance the church services (sacred genres) and to celebrate life in society through song and dance (secular genres)
Describe the background and origin of Gregorian chant?
- evolved from the Hebrew chant tradition
- served as functional music in the worship services of the Roman Catholic Church
- originally passed down orally, among the earliest forms of notated music in Western tradition
- organized and codified during the papal reign of Pope Gregory the Great
- used as the basis for many new compositions during the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Who was Pope Gregory I?
- also known as Pope Gregory the Great
- leader of the Roman Catholic church from 590-604
- he organized and codified the chants that had accumulated, leading to the establishment of a uniform liturgical service
- he oversaw the expansion of schools to train singers in performance of sacred repertoire (schola cantorum)
What term is used to refer to a large body of chants from many different regions and traditions
plainchant and plainsong
What is the Haec dies?
- It is a Gregorian chant
- the composer is anonymous
- written in the early Middle Ages
- The mass component comes from the Gradual Mass for Easter Day
- Source of text is from 118:1/24, Old Testament
- Sung in Latin
- Performed by soloist and chorus
- Texture is monophonic
