Chapter 6 The Renaissance Instrumental Music: Early Developments

Key Terms Pavane Galliard Jig Stylization

Renaissance Dance Music The Renaissance masters wrote vocal music primarily Little instrumental music written c Yet, lute, violin, and harpsichord became more prominent in the 1500s Instrumental dance music became more and more popular in the late Renaissance An international phenomenon—dances from many nations were used throughout Europe

Renaissance Dance Music Popular dances included: Pavane—solemn dance in a slow duple meter with formal stepping and stopping Galliard—lively dance in compound (fast triple) meter; vigorous kicking and leaping steps Saltarello—quick Italian dance with a skipping step Jig—very fast dance in compound meter from the British Isles Bransle—simple French dance with many sideways steps

Renaissance Dance Features Each dance has a characteristic rhythm that supports the dance steps Dance textures are simpler than in vocal music—generally homophonic Repetition and contrast frequently used Simple tunes, often ornamented, especially when repeated Most dances written for dancing, but more sophisticated “stylized” dances emerge, intended for listening!

Galliard, “Daphne” Violin family ensemble Strong rhythmic patterns over a clear beat with triple meter feel One primary melody, simple homophonic texture Clear cadences and repeated phrases (a a b b c c) 1st violin ornaments repeats extensively

“Kemp’s Jig” Features recorder, lute, and viola da gamba Lively and rhythmic—fast duple meter One primary melody; simple homophonic texture Simple pattern of repetition and contrast (a a b) Increasing ornamentation as dance repeats Cadence elision at measures 8-9 subtly disrupts four-bar groupings—an example of stylization!