Music of the Renaissance c – 1600 An Overview

From Medieval to Renaissance Increase in instrumental music, although vocal music still predominate Rise of secular music due to patronage of the nobility, particularly in Italy (Medicis of Florence) Increase in music being performed by amateur musicians with limited formal training Increased emphasis on polyphonic textures

From Medieval to Renaissance Growth of music for solo instruments, especially the lute, harp, and keyboard instruments Composers begin wiring both secular and sacred works Shift in harmonic textures from open fourths, fifths and octaves to thirds and sixths Printed music and wider availability lead to a more “international” style of music

The Renaissance Mass Early Renaissance Mass Cantus firmus “fixed melody” based on Gregorian chant acts a the foundation of the of the work, supporting other voices Guillaume Du Fay Polyphonic texture Later Renaissance Masses Move towards more homorhythmic settings to increase clarity of texts (Counter-reformation & the Council of Trent)

The Renaissance Motet Becomes a sacred form Single Latin text Used in the Mass and other religious services The Virgin Mary was a popular subject Sometimes used a cantus frimus Josquin des Prez, major composer of motets

Secular Music in the Renaissance Increase in patronage of composers and professional musicians by nobility and merchant class Introduction of printed/published music led to greater distribution of secular music

Secular Music in the Renaissance Two major forms of vocal secular music The Chanson Originated in the Burgundy (north-east) region of France Usually composed for 3 or 4 voices Based on French Renaissance poems, subject matter ranges from love poems, to amorous lusting to religious. Josquin & Du Fay were major composers of chansons

Secular Music in the Renaissance The Madrigal Most prominent in Italy, but also English madrigals; probably the most important genre developed in the Renaissance Love and unsatisfied desire were popular subject matter, but satire, politics, and scenes from city and country life are also used. Instrumental accompaniment Madrigals developed from simple popular music into more complex, expressive works “Word Painting” – use of music to depict the text Claudio Monteverdi – leading Italian madrigalist English madrigals grew out of the Italian traditions (carols)

Secular Music in the Renaissance Instrumental Dance Music Rises in importance in the 1500’s Music publishing makes music more widely available Often based on madrigals or chansons, with simplified parts to be played on instruments Instrumentation is usually not indicated; instruments are essentially the same as used in the middle ages, with the addition of more keyboard instruments Forms of Renaissance dances Pavane – slow and stately Salterello – a vigorous jumping dance from Italy Galliard – a French salterello Allemande – a German dance style in duple meter Ronde – a popular round dance, performed outdoors in a circle Additions of embellishments and musica ficta (added sharps or flats to enhance or smooth out musical lines, especially at the ends of phrases)