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 PeriodThe Roman Catholic Church

(R.C.C.) became less powerfulAristocrats (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 PeriodMusical 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 PeriodLarge courts might employ 30

musicians playing all types of instruments.

These courts gave musicians jobs.

Renaissance PeriodEvery 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 PeriodLyrics 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 MusicSecular 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 MusicTwo 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.

ComposersGiovani Palestrina Lived from 1525-1594Composer 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 Josquin des Prez

◦-Lived from 1450-1521.◦-Composed music for the church and

secular vocal pieces. ◦-Composed the Motet: “Ave Maria”

-Polyphonic in texture. -Uses 4 voices. -Score for Ave Maria.

Composers Thomas Weelkes

◦- Lived from 1576-1623◦Was an English composer and

organist. ◦Weelkes was best know 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)