Music

of Medieval, Renaissance
and Baroque Periods
Medieval Period (700-1400)

also known as Middle Ages or “Dark Ages” that

began with the fall of the Roman Empire. During this time, the
leadership was appointed to the Church that hold the Europe’s
cultural and political affairs.
Monophonic plainchant was made known and approved by the
Catholic Church through the actions of Pope Gregory I which is
popularly known as Gregorian Chant. Originally, it was
transmitted orally to preserved the music, but scholars agreed to
put it in notation (known before as Neumes) to assist
dissemination of chants across Europe.
Characteristic of Gregorian Chant:
Monoponic
Free meter
Modal
Usually based on Latin Liturgy
Use of “Neume” notation
The music sheet below is an example of Gregorian Chant
notation written in
Neumes:
Example of Gregorian Chant:
Troubadour Music
The latter part of the period was also characterized by a new
style of Medieval Music called Troubadour Music. The music
was not bound by the Catholic traditions and classified as
secular music. It was originated in France and was organized by
a group of musicians called Troubadours who travelled
around to perform and provide entertainment across Europe.
Characteristics of Troubadour Music:
1. Usually monophonic
2. Sometimes with improvised accompaniment
3. Tells of chivalry and courtly love
4. originated in France
5. Written in French language
Famous Composer of the Medieval Period:
Adam de la Halle (1237-1288)
known as Adam le Bossu (Adam the Hunchback) who is the
son of a well-known citizen of Arras, Henri de la Halle. He
received his education at the Cistercian Abbey of Vaucelles,
near Cambral. Adam was desired to be a priest but he
eventually got married.
He was one of the oldest secular composers whose literary and
musical works include chansons and poetic debates. He was a
trouvere, poet and musician whose famous works are Le Jeu de
Robin et de Marion and La Chanson du roi de Sicile.

Example of Troubadour Music :

Renaissance Period (1400-1600)

Renaissance is the term used to describe as the period of looking

back to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome. The reason why it
was known as renaitre, which means “ Rebirth” which signifies
the recovery of the literary and artistic heritage.
Because of the invention of the printing, it paved the way for a
wide distribution of the compositions. Because of the emergence
of the bourgeois class, the Renaissance music became popular as
an entertainment and activity for the
amateurs and the educated. Secular music became the influential
music during the Renaissance Period and the lute instruments are
the most prominent.
Characteristics of Renaissance Music:
1. Mostly polyphonic
2. Imitation among voices is common.
3. Use of word painting in texts and music
4. Melodies lines move in a flowing manner
5. Melodies are easier to perform because of the scale with a few
large leaps.
Renaissance music was also known as the Golden Age of A
Capella choral Music.
These are the types of Vocal Music in Renaissance Period:
1. Mass – is a sacred vocal composition that set texts of the
Eucharistic liturgy into music. It can be sang a capella or with
orchestral accompaniment. In applying the text into music, it can
be polyphonic, syllabic, Neumatic or melismatic.
There are five main sections of Mass:
1. Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy)
2. Gloria (Glory To The 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)
2. Madrigal- A secular vocal polyphonic music originated form
Italy. It is expressed in poetic text and used during courtly social
gatherings. It can be frequently execute into 3 to 6 voices,
polyphonic, sung a cappella and through composed.

Listen to “April Is In My Mistress’ Face” by Thomas Morley

Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period
1. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1522-1594)

He said to be the greatest master

of Roman Catholic Church music
during
Renaissance Period and most of
his compositions were sacred.
Famous Composers of the Renaissance Period
2. Thomas Morley (1557-1602)
He became the master of choristers
in 1582 and was the most famous
composer of secular music in his time.
His famous compositions are:
1. Fire, Fire My heart
2. Sing and Chant It
3. Fantasie
4. April is in My Mistress’ Face
5. It Was A Lover and His Lass
Baroque Period (1685-1750)

Baroque is derived from the word barocco which means “Pearl of

Irregular Shape”. During this time, the music highlighted the
impressiveness of the style and the elaborate ornamentations
created by the Baroque composers.
The music was developed through instrumental techniques and
musical notations. The Major and Minor tonality was also
developed and a lot of musical terms evolved in this era that are
still used today.
Characteristics of Baroque Music
1. Melodies are elaborate, ornamental and are not easy to sing and
remember
2. Primarily contrapuntal textures called homophony
3. Have dynamic contrast-alteration between loud or soft
4. Harpsichord or organ instruments are commonly used in the
accompaniment.
5. The use of Fugue- a contrapuntal piece developed by imitative
Counterpoint
6. Orchestra consists of strings and continuo
7. New Forms:
a. Binary – AB
b. Ternary – ABC
c. Ground Bass
d. Fugue
Types of Music Genres of Baroque Music
1. Concerto - A form of music
intended for solo instrument
accompanied by an orchestra.

Vivaldi - Violin Concerto in A Minor RV 356, Augusta

McKay Lodge & Voices of Music Opus 3 No 6 8K

2. Concerto Grosso - A form of orchestral music wherein the music is

between a small group with solo instrument called concertino and the
whole orchestra playing together called tutti.

Listen to “House of Dreams” by Handel, Allegro

from Concerto Grosso in G Major op. 6 no. 1
3. Fugue- it is usually written in 3 or 4 parts, with a main theme
called “subject.” The entire piece grows mainly from a single
brief tune of strong musical character.
Example: Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
4. Oratorio- A large scale of musical composition for orchestra
or voices that incorporates narrative on religious themes.
Examples: Handel’s “Messiah”,“Samson” ,“Israel”, and
“Egypt”; &. Bach “Christmas Oratorio”
5. Chorale- a compositions that resemble a harmonized version
of hymnal tunes of the Protestant Church.
Listen to Bach Chorale Jesu meine Freude
Famous Composers of the Baroque Period
1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
He was known for his compositions for organ,
orchestra and oratorio. He was a religious man
because of his deep faith that is evident to his
compositions for sacred music. His famous
compositions are Fugue in G minor and Fugue
in D minor.
Listen to Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”
2. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
His nickname was il Prete Rosso ( The red
priest) because of his red hair. He was an Italian
composer, a catholic priest and a virtuoso
violinist. His most famous piece is Vivaldi’s
“The Four Seasons.”
3. George Friedrich Handel (1685-1759)
Handel is remembered for his operas and
oratorios. He became England’s
favorite composer. The “Messiah” is Handel’s
most famous creation and the very
well known “Hallelujah” chorus is part of that
composition.
Listen to “Messiah” by Handel.
Music
of Medieval, Renaissance
and Baroque Periods