The Medieval Period of Western Music History

476 A.D. to circa 1400 A.D.

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 ancient Greece and Rome

were essentially lost with the Fall of the Western 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.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, FranceThe Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, FranceBuilt 1163 – 1345 ADBuilt 1163 – 1345 AD

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,” “plainchant” or “plainsong” Used as music for the early Christian church Sung by monks practicing the “Divine Office” eight times

a day at the specific hours Gregorian chant – a more uniform system of chant that

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

Musical Example: Plainchant: Viderunt Omnes No. 1

Developments in Medieval Music:Polyphony

(meaning “many sounds”)

Two or more lines of music sung or played simultaneously

Polyphony began as an additional parallel line to a line of Gregorian chant

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

Musical Example: 2-Part Organum, based on chant melody

Musical Notation in the Medieval Period

The most important development in music during the Medieval period was the invention of the modern system of notation for music. About the same time that polyphony was appearing, music notation was being developed. The founder of what is now considered the standard music staff was Guido d'Arezzo, an Italian Benedictine monk who lived from 995–1050. Guido D'Arezzo's achievements paved the way for the modern form of written music, music books, and the modern concept of a composer.

Guido d’Arezzo also composed a chant that became the basis for the “do, re, mi” syllables still used in teaching music today. The proportional system of note values for rhythm was also developed in this period.

Example of Medieval music notation: “O virtus Sapientiae” by Hildegard von Bingen.

Sacred Music in the Medieval Period:

The Medieval Motet A polyphonic vocal composition with several different

melodic lines (several voices singing) One line (called the “cantus firmus,” or “fixed song,” in

Latin) used phrases from Gregorian chant Lines above cantus firmus were different melodies and

sometimes in a another language Medieval motets often contained complex musical

techniques Musical Example: Petrus la Cruce: “Aucun ont trouv”

(3-part motet sung in Latin and French simultaneously)

Secular (Non-Sacred) Music

in the Medieval PeriodHildegard von Bingen

(1098-1179 AD)was a German writer, composer, philosopher ,Christian mystic, Benedictine nun, visionary,

and polymath. She is one of the few composers from the Medieval period for whom biographical information still exists.

Musical Example: Plainsong (Chant): “O frondens virga,” (“O leafy branch”) an excerpt from the Medieval morality play,

Ordo Virtutum (Play of the Virtues) by Hildegard von Bingen

Gregorian Chant Gregorian Chant “Illuminated Manuscript”“Illuminated Manuscript”

Léonin (flourished from circa 1150 - circa 1201)

Leonin was the first known significant composer of polyphonic choral music.

Little is known about Leonin’s life, but it is believed that Leonin was French and

lived and worked in Paris at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Perotin(flourished in circa 1200)

Also called Perotin the Great, was a European composer, believed to be French, who lived around the end of the 12th and beginning of

the 13th century. Perotin expanded and improved the polyphonic choral style

established by Leonin.

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 ballads about chivalry and courtly love

Also: Dance music (mostly lost today)

Musical Example: 13th Century Medieval Dance Song

Secular (Non-Sacred) Music in the

Medieval Period

Guillaume de Machaut (c.1300-1377)

was a French composer of the late Medievalperiod and another of the few composers

from the Medieval period for whom biographical information still exists.

Musical Example: “Dame mon couer en vous remaint”Medieval French Love Song for 3 voices (polyphony)

“Dame mon couer en vous remaint”Medieval French Love Songby Guillaume de Machaut

English Translation:

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