MUSIC

UNIT I:
Music of the Medieval
Period, Renaissance and
Baroque Periods
Lesson 1: Music of the Medieval Period
● The Medieval Period is also known as the Middle Ages or Dark
Ages.
● It started with the fall of the Roman Empire.
● Time when Christian Churches influenced Europe’s culture and
political affairs.

Monophonic Plainchant
Is named after Pope Gregory I, who made this approved music of the
Catholic Church.

● Originally transmitted orally

● Put into notation by scholars to
assist dissemination of chants across
Europe.
● Characteristics : Monophonic,
Free Meter, Modal, Based on
Latin-Liturgy, Uses Neume Notation

The Troubadour Music

Secular music which was not
bound by Catholic traditions. It
is performed across Europe by
groups of musicians called
“Troubadours”.

Characteristics : Monophonic
● sometimes with improvised
accompaniment
● tells chivalry and courtly love
● originated in France/Written
in French language

Adam de la Halle
One of the oldest secular composer whose
literacy and musical works include chansons
and poetic debate.

His works :
● Le Jeu de Robin et de Marion
● La Chanson du roi de Sicile
Lesson 2: Music of the Renaissance Period
Renaissance
● Comes from the word “renaitre” means “rebirth, revival and
rediscover”
● The period of looking back to the golden age of Greece and Rome
● Era known as the “golden age” of a
cappella choral music

Characteristics of Music
1. Mostly polyphonic
2. Imitation among voice is common
3. Use of word painting in text and music
4. Melodies are easier to perform

Vocal Music of the Renaissance Period

1. Mass
● A form of sacred musical
composition that set texts of
the Eucharistic Liturgy into
music.
● Characteristics :
Polyphonic, A capella or with
orchestral accompaniment,
Text may be syllabic,
neumatic or melanistic.
5 main parts of the Mass
Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Benedictus, Agnus Dei

2. Madrigal
● Secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated
from Italy.

● Written and
expressed in poetic text and
sung during courtly social
gatherings.
● Characteristics :
Polyphonic, Sung a
cappella, Frequently in 3-6
voices
Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period
1. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
1525 - February 2, 1594
● The greatest master of Roman
Catholic Church Music of the
Renaissance period
● Majority of his work are sacred, his
music is a perfect example of a
counter reformation style
● Organist and choirmaster at both
the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s
Basilica

2. Thomas Morley
1557-1602, from Norwich East
England

● Singer in local cathedral from his

boyhood and became master of
choristers there in 1583
● The most famous composer of
secular music during his time.
● Works include : Fire, Fire, My
Heart, Sing and Chant It, Fantasie,
April is in My Mistress Face, It Was a
Lover and His Lass

Lesson 3: Music of the Baroque Period (1685-1750)

Baroque derived from the Portuguese word “barroco” which means
“pearl of irregular shape”

● Time where arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate

ornamentation

Characteristics of Baroque
Music
● Melodies sound
elaborate and ornament
Melodies are not easily sing
or remember
 ● Dynamic contrast - alternation between loud and soft
● Genres - operas, oratorios, concerto, fugue
● Harpsichord and organ are the commonly used instruments

Musical Genres of Baroque Music

1. Concerto
A form of orchestral music that employs a solo
instrument accompanied by an orchestra.

2. Concerto Grosso
From of orchestral music between a small group of
solo instruments called concertino and the whole
orchestra called tutti.

3. Fugue
Developed mainly by imitative counterpoint, written
in 3-4 parts with main theme called subject and
grows from a single brief tune of strong musical
character.

4. Oratorio
● A large scale musical composition for
orchestra and voices that incorporates
narratives on religious themes
● Usually performed without use of costume,
scenery and action
● Written in native language

5. Chorale
Compositions that resemble a harmonized version of
hymnal tunes of the Protestant church during the
Baroque Period

Famous Composers of the Baroque Period

1. Johann Sebastian Bach

● came from a family musicians

● enormous outputs includes works for the
organ, violin and harpsichord
● considered as the greatest composer of all
time
2. Antonio Lucio Vivaldi
● also known as II Prete Rosso (The Red
Priest)
● Italian composer, Catholic Priest and a
virtuoso violist

3. Goerge Friedrich Handel

● England favorite composer

4. Johann Pachebel
● Famous for his Canon in D
 MUSIC
UNIT II:
Music of the Classical Period
Lesson 1: Classical Period & Characteristics of Music
Also called as the Age of Reasoning, is the period from 1750-1820

● The birth of Classicism

● The word classical denotes
conformity with the principles
and characteristics of Ancient
Greece and Rome (formal,
elegant, simple, freed, dignified)
● Cultural life was dominated
by aristocracy
Important historical events : The French Revolution and Napoleonic
War and the American Independence (1776)

Characteristics of Music
1. Harmony and texture is homophonic in general
2. Melodies are same with classical music
3. Dynamics were clearly shown
4. A style of broken chord accompaniment called, Alberti Bass
was practiced

Lesson 2: Great Composers of the Classical Period

1. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
One of the most prominent composers of the
classical period. His life was describe as “rags-to-
riches” story and his music reflects his character
and personality

● Mainly calm
● Balanced
● Serious but with touches of humors

Able to composed 100 symphonies and developed them into a long

forms for a large orchestra
● Named as the “Father of Symphony”

Symphony - a musical composition for the whole orchestra

Works includes :
● Symphony no. 94 in G Major (Surprise)
● Symphony no. 101 in D Major (The Clock)
● Symphony no. 100 in G Major (Military)
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
– The most amazing genius in musical history

● Learned to play violin and harpsichord at the

age of 5
● Recognized as an exceptional pianist at the
age of 6
● Composing excellent music at the age of 7
● Written sonatas, concertos, symphonies,
religious works and operas at the age of 13

Composed over 700 works, examples are;

● The Marriage Figaro (1786)
● Don Giovanni (1789)
● The Magic Flute

3. Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)

– Born in Bonn, Germany to a family of musicians

● Composer who bridged the late Classical Era

and Early Romantic Era
● Talented pianist and composer
● Began to go deaf on 1796 but did not become
a hindrance
● Some of his famous compositions were made
when he was deaf.

Works includes
● Missa Solemnis (1818-1823)
● Fidelio 91805)
● Symphony no. 2 (Eroica
● No. 5, no. 6 (Pastoral)
● No. 9 (Choral)
● Piano Sonata no. 14 in C sharp minor (Moonlight)

Lesson 3: Vocal and Instrumental Music

1. Sonata
● A multi-movement work for solo instruments
● Came from the word “sonare”, which means to make sound
3 Movements of Sonata
1. 1st movement – Allegro (fast movement)
2. 2nd movement - Slow tempo: (Andante, Largo, etc.), mostly
lyrical and emotional
3. 3rd movement – Minuet (moderate)

2. Sonata Allegro
● The most important form that developed during the classical era
● Consist of distinct sections
1. Exposition - first part that introduced the theme
2. Development - 2nd part where the theme are being developed
3. Recapitulation - repeats the theme as they first emerge in the
opening exposition

3. Concerto
● Multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist
and orchestra
● Music intended primarily to emphasized the individuality of the
solo instrument and to exhibit the virtuosity and interpretative
of abilities of the performer
● Solo instruments include : violin, cello, clarinet, bassoon,
trumpet, horn and piano
● Has three movements:
1. 1st (Fast)- Exposition
2. 2nd (Slow)- more ornamentation
3. 3rd (Fast)- Finale

4. Symphony
● Movement work for orchestra, derived from the word “Sinfonia”,
meaning “Harmonious Sounding Together”
● Has 4 movements
1. 1st (Fast) Sonata Allegro Form
2. 2nd (Slow) gentle
3. 3rd (Medium/Fast) uses a dance form
4. 4th (Fast)

5. Classical Opera
● A drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a
theatrical setting.
● Styles
1. Opera Seria - serious opera, usually implies heroic or
tragic drama, associated with mythology that was
inherited from the Baroque Period
2. Opera Buffa - comic opera, from Italy, made use of
everyday character and situations, typically employed
spoken dialogues, humors and social satire
 MUSIC
UNIT III:
Music of the Romantic Period
Lesson 1: Romantic Music
Refers to the Western music composed in the late 18th century to
19th century.

● Period described as a cultural

movement stressed emotion,
imagination, individualism and
freedom of expression,
characteristics evident in music,
art and literature

● Nationalism is also an important part of music

● Piano music is in free form such as fantasy, rhapsody, ballade
and nocturne
● Most of the musical compositions of the era portray literature,
history, emotions and nature

a. Violin and Strings Music

1. Niccolo Paganini (10.27.1782)
From Genoa Italy

● Musical skills started with playing

mandolin at the age of five, violin at the
age of seven

● Adapted his master’s skills in playing

the violin

● Paganini became the most famous

violin virtuoso in the world

Some works includes

● La Campanella
● 24 Caprices for Solo Violin Op. 1
● The Carnival of Venice

Lesson 2: Romantic Piano Music

● Filled with innovations
● Most compositions require a high level of virtuosity, some were
reinventions from Classical Period.
1. Frederic Chopin (3.1.1810)
Known as the “Poet of Piano”, from
Zelazowa, Poland
● Played piano at the age of 4, composed
polonaise at the age of 7
● Finished his formal education at the
higher year school in 1829
● Some of his music is characterized by
its beautiful tone, rhythmic
flexibility, grace and elegance
● Famous for the following
1. Ballade - a verse for m or narrative
that is set into music
2. Etude - a piece composed for the
development of a specific piece
3. Mazurka - a Polish dance in ¾ time signature
4. Nocturne - instrumental composition for piano
5. Polonaise - a slow polish dance, consist of march and
procession
6. Prelude - short piece of music that is used as preface and
introduction to another work
7. Waltz - a German Dance
8. Impromptu - a short free form musical composition usually
for solo instruments like piano
9. Scherzo - a musical movement of playful character
10. Sonata - a composition for one or more solo instruments

2. Franz Liszt
Best word the describe the work of Liszt is “virtuosity”

A virtuoso pianist, a composer and the busiest

musicians of the period
● Born in the village of Doborjan, Hungary
● Known for his symphonic poems where he
translated great literary works into musical
compositions.
● Also known for his generosity in sharing
time and money to orphans, and teaching
music for free.

Some piano works includes :

● LaCampanella
 ● Liebesraume no. 3
● Hungarian Rhapsody (Tom and Kerry’s Cat Concerto)
● Transcriptions of Lieder by Schubert

3. Robert Alexander Schumann (1810)

A composer and a music critic
● Composed most of his compositions at
the same time studying law
● Wrote over 100 art songs
● In 1830, Schumann live in Wieck
Liezpig, then developed a problem with
his hands, effectively ending his
dreams as a pianist
Piano works
● Abegg Variations, Opus 1 (1830)
● Carnival, Opus 9 (1835)
● Dichterliebe (A Poet Love)
Orchestral music
● Piano Concerto in A Minor, Opus 54
● Finale, Opus 52

Lesson 3: Program Music

Instrumental composition that conveys images or scenes to tell a
story without text or lyrics.
● Entices the imagination of the listener

1. Hector Berloiz
French composer born on December 11, 1803

Learned playing guitar and flute at his young

age.
● One of his famous musical compositions is
a five movement symphony called “Symphony
Fantastique”

Fantasy Symphony
● Features distinct tone color. Assemblage of hundred of
musicians to produce a powerful sound
● A musician tries to kill himself with opium caused by
discouraged love.
2. Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky

● Born on May 7, 1840, in Votkinsk,

Russia
● Known for his ballet music
● Studied and began to study music at
the conservatory also in St. Petersburg

● A big fan of Mozart, famous after composing the musical poem

Fatum and Romeo and Juliet
● Famous compositions include : Swan Lake, The Nutcracker,
Sleeping Beauty and Piano Concerto no. 1

3. Cammile Saint-Saens
Was known as a talented musicians from an early age

● Born on Paris on October 9, 1835

● Began composing piece at the age of 3
● Considered as the composer who creates
elegant music neat, clean, polished
and never excessive

Best known music

● Carnival of Animals
● Danse macabre and His Symphony No. 3
● The Swan
 MUSIC
UNIT IV:
Vocal Music of the Romantic
Period
Lesson 1: Vocal Music of the Romantic Period
● The parallelisms of music and literature were clearly evident in
almost all forms of vocal music during the Romantic period.
● Composers interpret poems, mood, atmosphere and imagery
into music
● Musical composition such as “art song” was written for solo and
piano
● Subjects were traditional myths, legends and folklore usually
dealing with supernatural and less ordinary
● Vocal singers requires singers to perform in greater range tone,
color, dynamics and pitch
● Opera became an important source of musical expressions
● The birth of opera houses came where all the arts converged

Opera Composers of the Romantic Period

1. Franz Peter Schubert (1/31/1779-1828)
● Known as the lieder (songs), which as
developed to produce a powerful dramatic
impact on the listeners
● Tapped the poetry of writers like Johann
Goethe
● Considered as the last classical composer
and one of the first romantic ones

2. Giuseppe Verdi (10/09/1813-02/13/1883)

Born in Parma, Italy

● Characters are ordinary people and not those

of the royal family
● Insisted a good libretto and wrote operas with
political overtones and for middle-class audience
● Studied on Busseto and later to Milan were his
first opera OBERTO was performed in La Scala,
the most important opera house at the time

3. Giacomo Puccini

● Born in a poor family on December 22, 1858 in

Lucca Italy, studied in Milan conservatory
● Stressed realism, drew materials from
everyday life, rejecting heroic theme from
mythology and history
 ● Works includes TOSCA, MADAME BUTTERFLY NAD
TURANDOT

4. Richard Wagner
Born in Leipzig, Germany on May 22, 1813

● Inspired by Beethoven
● Introduced new ideas in harmony and in form
● Explored the limits of traditional tonal system
● Advocate of a new form of opera which he
called MUSIC DRAMA - music and drama were
fused together

5. George Bizet (Alexander-Cesar-Leopold

Bizet)

● Born on 10/25/1838, died 06/1875 (36)

● Famous for his opera “CARMEN”, the
most popular operas ever written

Lesson 2: Romantic Opera

● A musical composition having all or most of its text set to
music, recitative, choruses, duets, trios etc, sung to
orchestral accompaniment
● Usually characterized by elaborate costumes, scenery and
choreography

Components of an Opera
1. Libretto
● The text of an opera that tells the story
2. Score
● The book that the composer and librettist put together
● Has musical notes, words and ideas
3. Recitative
● Declamatory singing, used in prose part and dialogue of opera
4. Aria
● An air or solo singing part sung by a principal character
 ● This song is what the public will remember best when leaving
the opera house
● Properly and well sung, a beautiful aria can bring an audience
to its feet and decide the fate of an entire opera

The Types of Voices of Singers

Male
1. Tenor - highest
2. Baritone - common male voice
3. Bass - lowest
Female
1. Alto - lowest
2. Mezzo-Soprano - slightly lower
3. Soprano - highest
4. Coloratura - highest soprano voice
5. Lyric - bright and full sound
6. Dramatic - darker full sound

Controlling Tone Quality

● The timbre of the voices describe the voice quality
● The lower the pitch, the lower the resonates
a. Breathing
● Important in singing
b. Posture
● Proper posture promotes efficient breathing which is essential to
projection, tone quality and vocal range
c. Vocal Range
● One of the major goal of every singer
d. Endurance