Medieval Period Music
Medieval Period Also called as “middle ages” or
transition period From 400-1400 A.D. Began with the fall of the Roman
Empire The Roman Catholic became very
influential
Medieval Period First musical notations took place
during this period Foundation was laid for the
notational and theoretical practices that would shape the Western Music
Gregorian Chant Central tradition of Western
plainchant Developed in Western and Central
Europe during the 9th-10th centuries Credited to Saint Pope Gregory I Organized into 12 modes
Gregorian Chant Traditional sung by church choirs of
men Written in Neume, an early form of
musical notation Guido d’Arezzo – person who
invented the musical staff Monophonic in texture Texts are in Latin
Assignment: Research about the Medieval
Secular Music and some famous Medieval Composers
MEDIEVAL SECULAR MUSIC
Sociocultural Influences on Music Rise and development of
polyphonic forms System of notation Western society are becoming
more independently, economically and intelectually
Medieval Secular Music Music that focuses on chivalry,
dances and romance Overcomes Sacred Music during
the 14th century Had a narrow range Used many string instruments
when performing
Minstrels It is an European medieval
wandering musicians and moved from town to town to make money
JongleursTroubadoursTrouvereMinnesingers
Troubadour A composer and performer during
the High Middle Ages Trobairitz – female version of
troubadour Began in the late 11th century Themes of musical composition:
chivalry and courtly love
Adam de la Halle Also known as Adam le
Bossu (Adam the Hunchback). He is a French-born trouvere, poet and musician. He is most famous for his musical play “Jeu de Robin et Marion”.