The Medieval Periodof Western Musical History

476 AD to 1400 AD

The word Medieval is derived from the Latin word “medius” meaning “middle.”

The Medieval Period in Western history is also known as the Middle Ages or also the Dark

Ages. It was a period in the history of Western civilization when civilization broke down in

various ways and became quite primitive. The cultural advances of the ancient Greece and

Rome were essentially lost with the Fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D.

As a result, Western civilization had to begin again during the Medieval period.

The word Medieval is derived from the Latin word “medius” meaning “middle.”

The Medieval Period in Western history is also known as the Middle Ages or also the Dark Ages. It was a period in the history of Western civilization when civilization broke

down in various ways and became quite primitive. The cultural advances of the

ancient Greece and Rome were essentially lost with the Fall of the Roman Empire

in 476 A.D.

As a result, Western civilization had to begin again during the Medieval period.

Medieval Period of Western History

Lasted from about 476 A.D to 1400 A.D.(different sources vary as to the exact dates)

One of the 3 broad periods of Western history: Classic / Medieval / Modern

Founding of universities

Building of cathedrals and castles

Heidelberg Castle in GermanyBuilt in 1214 A.D.

A Medieval painting depicting angels stabbing dragons,

a common symbolic image in Medieval art.

Medieval painting depicting the victory of Byzantine Emperor Heraclius over the Persians in 627 A.D.

Music of the Medieval Period:Monody – Monophonic Music

(meaning “one sound”)

Single line melodies with no accompaniment Known as “chant” or “plainchant” Used as music for the early Christian church Gregorian chant – a more uniform system of

chant that was developed under the reign of Pope Gregory I (590 AD to 604 AD)

Sung by monks practicing the 'Divine Office' eight times a day at the specific hours

Developments in Medieval Music:Polyphony (meaning “many sounds”)

Two or more independent lines of music sung or played simultaneously

Began as an additional parallel line to a line of Gregorian chant

Music notation began to be developed around the same time polyphony developed

Gregorian Chant Gregorian Chant Illuminated ManuscriptIlluminated Manuscript

The Medieval Motet

Polyphonic vocal composition with several different melodic lines (several voices singing)

Example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS0jAZFWrmA

One line (cantus firmus) used phrase from Gregorian chant

Lines above cantus firmus were different and sometimes in a another language

Music often contained complex musical techniques

Secular (Non-Sacred) Music in the Medieval Period

Lyrics (words) often written and preserved; music seldom preserved

Sung in vernacular (local) languages Troubadours – traveling composer-singers who sang songs

about chivalry and courtly loveAlso: Dance music (mostly lost today)

Musical Example: 13th century Dance Music (3’02”):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-8weVCnvdM

Secular (Non-Sacred) Music in the Medieval Period

Guillaume de Machaut (c.1300-1377)

was a composer of the late Medievalperiod and one of the few composers

from the Medieval period for whom biographical information still exists.

“Dame mon couer en vous remaint”Medieval French Song by Guillaume de Machaut

Lady, my heart remains in you.However far I may be from you. With true love which dwells in me. Lady, my heart remains in you. Now I pray God your heart may love me. Without leaving me for any other love. Lady, my heart remains in you. However far I may be from you

Listen to this song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVWKHJKLHgQ (4’34”)

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