Renaissance Period -Another name for this period is “Rebirth.” -The Renaissance Period was from the years This period is also considered the “Dominant intellectual movement.” -Humanism-Focused on human life and its accomplishments. Humanists were not concerned with the afterlife. (i.e. Heaven and Hell)
Renaissance Period The Roman Catholic Church (R.C.C.) became less powerful Aristocrats (wealthy business people) and the upper middle class considered education a status symbol. The invention of printing helped accelerate both the learning and the spread of music.
Music in the Renaissance Period
Musical texture was mostly polyphonic.polyphonic Imitation was often used. The Renaissance Period is often called the “Golden age of unaccompanied vocal music.” “Golden age of unaccompanied vocal music. Score in modern notation. Score in modern notation. Many pieces had 4,5, or 6 voice parts. A cappella - Unaccompanied vocal music.
Music in the Renaissance Period Large courts might employ 30 musicians playing all types of instruments. These courts gave musicians jobs.courts gave musicians
Renaissance Period Every educated person was expected to be trained in music. Vocal music was more important than instrumental. Galliard Dance. Vocal musicinstrumental Galliard Dance Musicians were hired to play for churches, courts (royal and aristocratic), and towns.
Renaissance Period Lyrics were used to create a relationship between words and music. Word Painting (Text Painting)-A musical representation of poetic images. Word Painting For example-descending from heaven-the melody would start high and get lower.
Secular Renaissance Music Secular music became more popular. One important kind of secular music was the madrigal.madrigal Madrigal – A piece for several voices set to a short poem, about love.
Sacred Renaissance Music Two main forms sacred music: -Mass – Polyphonic piece of music used in church services. -Motet – A polyphonic piece of music, set to the Latin text of the bible, not used in church services. Cantus firmus A preexisting melody forming the basis of a polyphonic composition. Used in Sacred music, usually a hymn or an important chant. Found in the tenor part, mostly.
Composers Guillaume Dufay Lived Considered the first composer of the renaissance. Composed sacred and secular music. One of the most published and sung composers wherever polyphony had taken root. Composed Ave Maris StellaAve Maris Stella Fauxbourdon – false bass. Cantus firmus in the second voice, and a new bass line is made to cadence.
Composers Johannes Ockeghem Lived Composed sacred and secular music. Composed Mort tu as navré/MiserereMort tu as navré/Miserere Written as a tribute to his friend and fellow composer Binchois. A motet in structure. Uses fauxbourdon Mimics Binchois in texture.
Composers Josquin des Prez Lived from Composed music for the church and secular vocal pieces. Studied under Ockeghem. Composed the Motet: “Ave Maria”Ave Maria Polyphonic in texture. Uses 4 voices. Score for Ave Maria.Ave Maria
Composers Giovani Pierluigi da Palestrina Lived from Composer that devoted himself to the church. Composed the “Pope Marcellus Mass.”Pope Marcellus Mass The piece was written for six voices and helped convince the church to keep polyphonic music in church services.
Composers TThomas Weelkes --Lived from WWas an English composer and organist. WWeelkes was best known for his music especially his Madrigals. RRecall the example for word painting. AAnother Weelkes example.
Instrumental Music MMore music was written for instruments during this musical era. IInstrumental music was commonly used for dancing. EEvery cultivated person was expected to be skilled in dance. CCommon Renaissance instruments: --Shawm --Lute --Recorder --Trumpet --Viols (Stringed Instrument)