Vocal and Instrumental

Music of Medieval,
Renaissance and Baroque
Periods
QUARTER 1
 OBJECTIVES:
Listen perceptively to selected vocal and
instrumental music of Medieval,
Renaissance and Baroque music.

Explain the performance practice (setting,

composition, role of composers/performers and
audience) during the Medieval, Renaissance and
Baroque Periods.

Describe musical elements of given

Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music.
 Vocal and
Instrumental Music of
Medieval Period
(700-1400)
QUARTER 1
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

also known as
Middle Ages or “Dark
Ages”.
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

Examples of musical instruments used in

the Medieval Period are the flute, lyre,
mandore, gittern, and zither.
Townspeople and castle owners hired
musicians to play for them during
worship services, mass meetings, and
parties. The music of the Medieval
period, like any other kind of music,
expressed feelings that are difficult to
put into words, and words that cannot
remain silent.
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

CLASSIFICATIONS
OF MEDIEVAL MUSIC

SACRED
(RELIGIOUS MUSIC)
SECULAR
(NON-RELIGIOUS MUSIC)
 SACRED or
RELIGIOUS MUSIC
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

DOMINANT SACRED MUSIC

STYLE
Gregorian
chant
• Developed during the 9th and 10th
centuries
• Named after Pope Gregory I
• It has Latin text
• Sung by priests and monks in unison
• It is sung without accompaniment
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

Gregorian chant is a form of

monophonic religious music
in Western Christianity that
accompanied the
celebration of mass and
other ritual services.
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

The Gregorian chant is the

stepping stone where
Western music notation
really begins.
Gregorian Chant
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (700-1400)

The church had the monopoly on the creation of music.

Pieces with best town through the word of mouth.

Viva Voce Method

 SECULAR or
NON-RELIGIOUS MUSIC
 What is troubadour music?
A period known as the Dark Ages started in Western
Europe came after the fall of the Roman Empire. This was
the time when invading hordes of Vandals, Huns, and
Visigoths overran Europe and generally dictated the
destiny of music, art, and literature. It was during this
time that secular music throughout Europe became
popular and was performed by the troubadours and
trouveres of France. The kind of music they played was
secular music, or one not bound by the traditions of the
church; it was not even written down until some time
after the 10th century.
 What is troubadour music?

Troubadour is the generic term for

poets and minstrels who flourished
in Southern France and in Northern
Italy from the 11 through the 13
th th

centuries,
 What is troubadour music?
Hundreds of these songs were created and
performed (and later notated) by bands of
musicians flourishing across Europe during
the 12th and 13th centuries, the most
famous of which was the French trouveres
and troubadours. The monophonic
melodies of these musicians, to which may
have been added improvised
accompaniments, were often rhythmically
lively and had themes that pertain to love,
joy, and pain.
Troubadour Music

During the latter part of the

Medieval Period, Secular
music which was not
bound by Catholic traditions
emerged. Most of these songs
were performed across
Europe groups of wandering
poet musicians called
Troubadours
Troubadours
Adam de la Halle (France, 1237-1288)
• Also known Adam le Bossu (Adam the
Hunchback)
• French poet, musician, composer, and
trouvere.
• He is a native from Arras and had his
basic education at the Cistercian Abbey
of Vaunelles – a school intended for
priesthood.
• His works include: Le Jeu de Robin et de
Marion and La Chanson du roi de Sicile
 MEDIEVAL MUSIC

SACRED SECULAR
GREGORIAN CHANT TROUBADOUR MUSIC
Monophonic plain chant Sometimes accompanied by
instruments
Sung in acapella Theme about love and
chivalric values
Latin text French language
Was named after Pope Performed to entertain
Gregory the I during Medieval
celebrations
Sung by priests and monks Sung by troubadour
musicians
 Vocal and
Instrumental Music of
Renaissance Period
(1400-1600)
QUARTER 1
MUSIC OF THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD (1400 – 1600)

The term Renaissance came from the

word renaitre which means
“rebirth”,“revival”, and “rediscovery”.
With the emergence of the bourgeois
class, renaissance music became more
popular as entertainment
and activity for amateurs and the
educated. Though sacred music was still
of great importance, secular music
became more popular in this period.
Renaissance period was also known as the
“golden age” of a capella choral music.
MUSIC OF THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD (1400 – 1600)

• The Renaissance in Europe is known as a

period of revival in culture, science, and
the arts. This was the time of inventions
like the printing press and the compass.
The printing of books made it possible for
knowledge to be disbursed in a
magnitude never before experienced.
MUSIC OF THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD (1400 – 1600)

CHARACTERISTICS OF RENAISSANCE MUSIC

• Mostly polyphonic
• Imitation among the voices is common
• Use of word painting in texts and music
• Melodic lines move in a flowing manner
• Melodies are easier to perform because these move along a
scale with a few large leaps.
VOCAL MUSIC OF THE
RENAISSANCE PERIOD

MASS
MADRIGAL
 WHAT IS
MASS ?
It is of a form of sacred musical
composition that sets texts of the
Eucharistic liturgy into music.
 WHAT IS
One of the most important and sacred forms
MASS ?
of music during the Renaissance is the Mass.
Mass music is polyphonic and was sung with
the absence of musical instruments. Mass is
an important part of Renaissance religious life.
It is used to communicate spiritual truth to
one’s mind. It displays a breadth of meaning
and feeling that cannot be expressed through
the use of mere words. People during the
Renaissance Era knew its true meaning – that
music is a form of prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MASS
• Polyphonic
• May be sung acapella or with orchestral accompaniment
• Text may be
SYLLABIC (one note set to each syllable)
NEUMATIC (few notes set to each syllable)
MELISMATIC (many notes set to each syllable)
FIVE MAIN SECTIONS OF MASS:
1. Kyrie “Lord Have Mercy”
2. Gloria “Glory to God in the Highest”
3. Credo “I Believe in God”
4. Sanctus and Benedictus “Holy, holy”,and “Blessed Is
He”
5. Agnus Dei “Lamb of God”
 MADRIGAL
A secular vocal polyphonic music composition which
originated from Italy. It was written and expressed in a
poetic text and sung during courtly social gatherings. It is
the most important secular form during the Renaissance
Period.
 MADRIGAL
Composer of a madrigal tries to express the feelings enclosed in
each line, and sometimes even the individual words, of a well-
known poem. Unlike the motet that uses Latin, a madrigal is used in
its vernacular language. It can be traced way back in 1588 in
England. English and German composers expressed themselves
through the madrigal during its glory days.

The composer and lutenist John Dowland (1563-1626), although

focusing generally on solo voice with lute accompaniment, also
wrote madrigals.
 What is a Madrigal?
Queen Elizabeth I herself was known as
a skilled lute player, and supposedly
delighted in the songs and ayres of the
madrigalists. Weelkes’ “Madrigal, Come,
let’s begin to revel’t out” is an example
of this cheerful and sprightly part-song.
The texts of many of these madrigals,
however, centered on themes of spurned
love, which are commonly sad but
pleasing to the senses.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MADRIGAL
• Polyphonic
• Sung a capella
• Through-composed
• Frequently in 3 to 6 voices
FAMOUS COMPOSERS
OF THE
RENAISSANCE PERIOD
Who is Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina?

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

composed more than 100 Mass
settings and over 250 motets.
Before he achieved his, goals, he
was an organist and a
choirmaster. He performed both
at the Sistine and the St. Peter
Chapels.
 Who is Thomas Morley?

Thomas Morley is another

famous composer of the
Renaissance Era. He was also an
organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Together with Robert Johnson,
they are the only composers
who survived contemporary
setting of verse by Shakespeare.
 Music of the
Baroque Period
(1685-1750)

QUARTER 1
 MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1685 –
Did it ever occur to you that 1750)
when you feel exhausted because of
everyday work, everything suddenly feels better because of music?
Yes, music is a powerful means of expression. It evokes emotions
and feelings. It changes every mood as much as can figuratively,
melt someone’s heart.
Nowadays, most young individuals would rather listen to pop or rap
songs and set aside classical or “oldies” music. One of these so-
called oldies is the music from the Baroque period. It came from
Portuguese word barroco, or “oddly shaped pearl.” The term
“baroque” has been extensively used since the 19th century to
portray the era in Western European music from 1600 to 1750.
 MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1685 –
1750)

The word Baroque is derived from the Protuguese

word barroco which means “pearl of irregular shape”.

 MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1685 –
1750)
The Baroque period (1600-1750) was generally a
time of newfound ideas. From major innovations
in science to vivid changes in geography, people
were exploring the world around them. The music
of the Baroque Period was just as extreme as the
new changes. Many of the illustrious
personalities from the early part of the Baroque
Period such Antonio Vivaldi and Claudio
Monteverdi come from Italy. Later, composers
from Germany, like the famous Bach and Handel,
began to take center stage in Baroque music
composition.
 MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1685 –
1750)
Composers during this period were George Friedrich Handel,
Johann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, and Antonio Vivaldi.
During this time, the arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate
ornamentation which were clearly seen in the musical
compositions created by Baroque composers. New instrumental
techniques, changes in musical notation and the major and minor
tonality were also applied in this era. A lot of the musical terms
and concepts that evolved in this era are still used in music of
today.
 MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1685 –
1750)
The various styles of Baroque came together and were brought to
perfection in the music of Johan Sebastian Bach. He wrote the
Christmas Oratorio. The musical piece highlighted the story of
Christ’s crucifixion.
Baroque music expresses, order, yet it is always lively and
tuneful. As what Johann Joseph Fux said, a composition meets the
demands of good taste if it:
· is well-constructed
· avoids trivialities as well as willful eccentricities
· aims the sublime
 CHARACTERISTICS OF BAROQUE MUSIC
• Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental
• Melodies are not easy to sing or remember
• Primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony
• Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and soft
• Music genres – operas, oratorios, suites, toccatas, concerto
grosso, fugue
• Orchestra consists of strings and continuo
• Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are
commonly used
 MUSIC GENRES OF BAROQUE MUSIC
1. CONCERTO – A form of orchestral music that employs a solo
instrument accompanied by an orchestra

2. CONCERTO GROSSO- A form of orchestral music during the

Baroque Period wherein the music is between a small group of
solo instruments called concertino and the whole orchestra
called tutti.

3. FUGUE
• A contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative
counterpoint.
• Is is usually written in 3 or 4 parts, with a main theme
 MUSIC GENRES OF BAROQUE MUSIC
4. ORATORIO– a large scale musical composition for
orchestra and voices that incorporates narratives on
religious themes. Unlike the theatrical works, this is
usually performed without the use of costumes,
scenery, or action. It is usually written in the native
language for the intended audience.

5. CHORALE- musical compositions that resemble a

harmonized version of hymnal tunes of the Protestant
Church during the Baroque era.
FAMOUS COMPOSERS OF
THE BAROQUE PERIOD
 Johann Sebastian Bach
·Born on March 21, 1685 in Germany
·J.S. Bach came from a family of
musicians.
He became orphaned at the age ten.
Bach’s beautiful soprano singing voice
helped him to be accepted at a school in
Luneberg. After a few years later, his
voice changed and Bach focused his
attention to playing the violin and his
harpsicord.
 Johann Sebastian Bach
His works include:

• CONCERTO GROSSO
• MASSES
• CANTATAS
• FUGUES
• WORKS FOR CLAVICHORD AND
HARPSICORD
 Antonio Vivaldi
·Born on March 4, 1678 in Venice.
·Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, nicknamed il Prete
Roso (‘The Red Priest”) because of his
red hair, was an Italian Baroque
composer, Catholic priest, and a virtuoso
violinist,

Vivaldi is known mainly for composing

instrumental concertos, especially for the
violin, as well as sacred choral works and
over forty operas.
 Antonio Vivaldi

His most famous piece is The Four

Seasons. This composition is a series of
four violin concerti depicting each of the
seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and
Winter
 George Friedrich Handel
·Born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany
·Composed church, secular, and theatre music
for illustrious patrons in Florence, Rome, Naples,
and Venice
·Met Italian composers who significantly
influenced his works, such as Arcangelo Corelli,
Alessandro Scarlatti and his son Domencio
Scarlatti, Giacomo Perti, Bernardo Pasquini,
Francesco Gasparini, Antonio Caldara, and many
others
 George Frideric Handel

• Accepted an appointment as
Kapellmeister to the Elector of
Georg Hanover in 1710
• His opera titled Rinaldo premiered
in 1711 in London
• Settled Britain in the 1719 and
wrote operas for the Queen’s
theatre
• Founder and director of the New
Royal Academy of Music in 1719
VALUING

MUSIC IS TIMELESS. MELODIES FROM THE

PAST
CAN STILL BE HEARD TODAY. TUNES MAY BE
PLAYED
DIFFERENTLY IN TECHNO-WORLD, BUT ONE
THING
NEVER CHANGE “MUSIC WILL ALWAYS BE
PART OF
MAN’S EVERYDAY LIFE”.
Activity: