Middle Ages vocabulary Flashcards
(106 cards)
What is the primary drawback of polytextuality?
words can sometimes be hard to distinguish
[p. 19]
When was the performance practice of musica ficta used?
applied in modal music of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance
[p. 32]
What is the main benefit of syllabic text setting?
text can be clearly understood
[p. 10]
Define ‘Mass Proper’ and name its sections
changing, variable prayers of the Mass that are linked to the church calendar
- Gradual
- Introit
- Communion
- Alleluia
[p. 10]
What is the primary source of texts for the Gradual?
Psalms (poetic texts from the Old Testament)
[p. 10]
What is the origin of the term ‘hocket?’
French hoquet, meaning “hiccup”
[p. 32]
What is the origin of the term ars nova?
Latin for “new art,” from the title of a treatise by composer Philippe de Vitry
[p. 32]
Define a cappella
vocal music without instrumental accompaniment
[p. 7]
Define chanson
a secular song with French text
[p. 23]
Define musica ficta
performers raised or lowered pirches by a half step to avoid undesirable intervals
much like modern-day accidentals
[p. 32]
Define Phrygian mode
natural minor with lowered 2
C-Db-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C
white notes starting on E
[p. 8]
What purpose does a cantus firmus serve?
serves as structural framework for a new polyphonic composition
[p. 15]
When was isorhythm perfected?
during the Ars nova period
[p. 32]
Define haut
Medieval designation for outdoor instruments
[p. 30]
Define ‘Mass Ordinary’ and name its sections
texts/prayers of the Mass that remain the same:
- Kyrie
- Agnus Dei
- Credo
- Sanctus
[p. 10, 32]
What are 3 important differences of English motets?
- no secular texts or themes; sacred only
- Latin text only; no vernacular
- tenor often not plainchant - could be borrowed from a different source or freely composed.
[online]
Define ‘heterophony’
simultaneous variation involving two or more voices or instruments playing the same melody in more than one way at the same time that one part plays the original melody; the added voices are often improvised
[p. 30]
What are examples of bas instruments?
dulcimer, lute, psalter, rebec, recorder, vielle
[p. 30]
What is one drawback of using strophic form?
little connection can be achieved between the words and music
[p. 23]
In which voice was the cantus firmus originally found?
in the lowest voice
[p. 15]
What is the origin of the term haut?
French for “high,” indicating a high level of volume (loud)
[p. 30]
What are 3 synonyms for ‘organal style’?
- sustained-note organum
- organum purum
- florid style
[p. 15]
Define chansonniers
songbooks of chansons
[p. 22]
What period of history is identified as the ‘Middle Ages?’
ca. 476 - ca. 1450
[p/ 6]