higher early music. renaissance a style of music from the period from about 1450 to 1600, i.e. pre...

Higher Early Music

Renaissance

A style of music from the period from about 1450 to 1600, i.e. pre Baroque.

Modes and ModalIn the Renaissance period it was normal to speak

about modes or music being modal.

This term was used before the development of major and minor keys.

Although you do not need to name them the different modes are outlined for you below.

Before continuing with this unit an important melodic and harmonic issue to note is:-

Vocal Music

Latin Word Setting

Plainchant Also known as plainsong and

Gregorian Chant.

•Unaccompanied melody set to words of the Roman Catholic liturgy, such as the Mass.

•Plainchants are modal and have no regular metre.

•They follow the rhythm of the Latin words.

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The MassA sacred choral work using the Six main sections of the Roman Catholic church liturgy.

Features of the Mass include:-

•Latin text and polyphonic texture.

•In the Renaissance usually sung a capella.

•Post Renaissance a large-scale work for chorus, soloists and orchestra.

The Six main parts of the Mass can be recognised by their words.

The sections are:-

Kyrie – “Kyrie eleison; Christe eleison; Kyrie eleison”

Gloria – “Gloria in excelsis Deo”

Credo – “Credo in unum Deum”

Sanctus – “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth ”

Benedictus – “Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini”

Agnus Dei – “Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi”

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Motet In the Renaissance era this was a sacred choral work with Latin text.

•It normally has a polyphonic texture.

•It was usually sung A cappella.

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English Word Setting

Renaissance vocal works can be split in to two categories . They are detailed below.

Madrigal Proper

•Non-religious text in English

•Elements of homophony and polyphony

•Use of imitation

•Use of word painting

•Through-composed music

•Usually A cappella

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BallettA type of madrigal in strophic form which was originally danced to.

It features a fa-la-la refrain at the end of each verse.

•Strophic Form•English non-religious text•A capella

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Ayre (Air)An ayre (air or song) is a madrigal which can be performed by a solo voice

with lute accompaniment; by solo voice accompanied by other instruments; or with all parts sung by voices with accompaniment.

•Normally strophic form •English non-religious text• Usually accompanied

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AnthemThe anthem is the Protestant equivalent of the Motet.It is a short sacred choral piece sung in English. Either a cappella or accompanied and featuring solo parts.

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Instrumental Music

Pavane•A Renaissance court dance normally followed by a Galliard.

•The pavan is slow and stately with two beats in the bar.

•Normally performed on either Harpsichord, lute or viols.

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Galliard•A Renaissance court dance which follows the Pavan.

•A galliard is quick and lively with three beats in a bar.

•Normally performed on either Harpsichord, lute or viols.

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Instruments

ConsortA small group of instruments of the same family

playing together, e.g. a consort of viols.

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ViolsThe early version of modern day string family

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LuteA renaissance instrument similar to the guitar

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Recorders Audio clip

Other Features

HemiolaA rhythmic device giving the impression of a piece of music changing

from duple (2) to triple (3) time, or vice versaAudio clip

AntiphonalDialogue between voices or instruments –

one group of voices or instruments answers the other.

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