LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Be ready to...

- Relate the social, cultural, and political background during the Medieval period (500-1450) to the function of music during this time.
- Characterize the music of the early Christian church, i.e., Gregorian chant.
- Describe the difference between the Proper and the Ordinary of the Mass.
- Examine the influence of the Cathedral of Notre Dame as a center for organum in medieval music.
- Describe the differences between troubadours and trouvères in medieval secular music.
- Trace the rise of secular polyphonic chansons set to fixed text forms (rondeau, ballade, virelai) in the French Ars nova.
- Define and classify the instrumental music of the medieval period.
- Trace the four major developments that took place in Western music during the Middle Ages: the development of pitch and rhythmic notation; the transition from monophony to polyphony; the initial stages of regularly metered music; and the development of the motet and instrumental music.

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Medieval Period (500-1450)

The origins of our Western musical heritage are lost in the shadows of prehistoric times. However, relics of musical instruments and drawings depicting musical activity indicate the important role that music played in early societies. The Bible makes frequent reference to music, from David singing psalms while playing the harp to trumpets leveling the walls of Jericho. Ancient Greek philosophers wrote extensively about music, and in Greek and Roman art, musical scenes abound. Although records are scarce, it is evident that music played an important function in people's lives for many centuries. We will, nonetheless, start this historical survey section of the course in the medieval period.

Listening Prelude

Composer: Anonymous

"Quem Quaeritis"

This is an example of a Gregorian chant from the medieval period. Listen to it and consider the following questions:

Is this piece performed by voice alone, or are there also instruments?
Is there one voice, or are there several voices?
Does the number of voices and instruments change as the piece progresses?
How is rhythm organized in this piece?
Are the pitches of the melody close together or far apart?
What creates unity and contrast among the various sections of this piece?
What purpose do you think this music served in the Middle Ages?