Renaissance Music

Sacred vs. Secular Music was divided into two entities: Sacred Music Secular Music What is the difference?

Motets Sacred text (religious) Polyphonic choral works Usually four parts

Madrigals Secular text (non-religious) Usually five parts

Harmony Harmony became just as important as the melody. No longer strictly monophonic.

Instruments Instruments became more important Solo instrumental music No longer just used for accompanying the voice.

Michael Praetorius ( ) Composed sacred hymns, motets and songs as well as secular madrigals, songs and dances. He composed music that began to show instruments as their own independent entity.

La Bourree By Michael Praetorius Shawms Double reed instrument like the oboe Krummhorns Flutelike recorders

Word painting During the medieval period, music was solely to let the sacred text be heard. Renaissance composers became more interested in creating musical motives that expressed the text. Music that portrays the meaning of the words of the text

Thomas Weelkes ( ) Known for use of word painting. Music is ordered through repetition of sections and imitation between the parts.

As Vesta Was Descending By Thomas Weelkes Word painting. Title character is a classical Roman goddess, whose human feelings Weelkes attempted to portray.

As Vesta was Descending As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending, She spied a maiden queen the same ascending, Attended on by all the shepherds swain, To whom Diana’s darlings came running down amain. First two by two Then three by three together Leaving their goddess all alone, hasted thither, And mingling with the shepherds of her train With mirthful tunes her presence entertain. Then sang the shepherds and nymphs of Diana Long live fair Oriana!

Sacred Music in the Renaissance Two main forms, both used Latin Text Motet Short composition Mass 5 sections – Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei

Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina Used the convention of couterpoint but with none of the worldly trappings of secular music.