Renaissance Period -Another name for this period is “Rebirth.”
-The Renaissance Period was from the years 1450-1600.-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
Music in the Renaissance Period Musical texture was mostly polyphonic. Imitation was often used. The Renaissance Period is often called
the “Golden age of unaccompanied vocal music.”
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.
Renaissance Period Every educated person was expected to be
trained in music. Vocal music was more important than
instrumental. 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. 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 – 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 1397-1474 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 Stella
Fauxbourdon – false bass. Cantus firmus in the second voice, and a new bass line is made to cadence.
Composers Johannes Ockeghem
Lived 1410-1497 Composed sacred and secular music. Composed Mort 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 1450-1521. Composed music for the church and secular vocal
pieces. Studied under Ockeghem. Composed the Motet: “Ave Maria”
Polyphonic in texture. Uses 4 voices. Score for Ave Maria.
Composers Giovani Pierluigi da Palestrina
Lived from 1525-1594 Composer that devoted himself to the church. Composed the “Pope Marcellus Mass.”
The piece was written for six voices and helped convince the church to keep polyphonic music in church services.
Composers Thomas Weelkes
-Lived from 1576-1623 Was an English composer and organist. Weelkes was best known for his music especially his
Madrigals. Recall the example for word painting. Another Weelkes example.
Instrumental Music More music was written for instruments during this
musical era. Instrumental music was commonly used for dancing. Every cultivated person was expected to be skilled
in dance. Common Renaissance instruments:
-Shawm -Lute -Recorder -Trumpet -Viols (Stringed Instrument)
