Music of the Renaissancec. 1450 – 1600

An Overview

From Medieval to Renaissance

Increase in instrumental music, although vocal music still predominate

Rise of secular music due to patronage of the nobility, particularly in Italy (Medicis of Florence)

Increase in music being performed by amateur musicians with limited formal training

Increased emphasis on polyphonic textures

From Medieval to Renaissance

Growth of music for solo instruments, especially the lute, harp, and keyboard instruments

Composers begin wiring both secular and sacred works

Shift in harmonic textures from open fourths, fifths and octaves to thirds and sixths

Printed music and wider availability lead to a more “international” style of music

The Renaissance Mass

Early Renaissance MassCantus firmus “fixed melody” based on Gregorian

chant acts a the foundation of the of the work, supporting other voices• Guillaume Du Fay

Polyphonic texture

Later Renaissance MassesMove towards more homorhythmic settings to

increase clarity of texts (Counter-reformation & the Council of Trent)

The Renaissance Motet

Becomes a sacred formSingle Latin textUsed in the Mass and other religious servicesThe Virgin Mary was a popular subjectSometimes used a cantus frimus

Josquin des Prez, major composer of motets

Secular Music in the Renaissance

Increase in patronage of composers and professional musicians by nobility and merchant class

Introduction of printed/published music led to greater distribution of secular music

Secular Music in the Renaissance

Two major forms of vocal secular musicThe Chanson

Originated in the Burgundy (north-east) region of FranceUsually composed for 3 or 4 voicesBased on French Renaissance poems, subject matter

ranges from love poems, to amorous lusting to religious.

Josquin & Du Fay were major composers of chansons

Secular Music in the RenaissanceThe Madrigal

Most prominent in Italy, but also English madrigals; probably the most important genre developed in the Renaissance

Love and unsatisfied desire were popular subject matter, but satire, politics, and scenes from city and country life are also used.

Instrumental accompanimentMadrigals developed from simple popular music into more

complex, expressive works“Word Painting” – use of music to depict the textClaudio Monteverdi – leading Italian madrigalist

English madrigals grew out of the Italian traditions (carols)

Secular Music in the RenaissanceInstrumental Dance Music

Rises in importance in the 1500’sMusic publishing makes music more widely availableOften based on madrigals or chansons, with simplified parts to be played on

instrumentsInstrumentation is usually not indicated; instruments are essentially the same as

used in the middle ages, with the addition of more keyboard instrumentsForms of Renaissance dances

Pavane – slow and statelySalterello – a vigorous jumping dance from ItalyGalliard – a French salterelloAllemande – a German dance style in duple meterRonde – a popular round dance, performed outdoors in a circle

Additions of embellishments and musica ficta (added sharps or flats to enhance or smooth out musical lines, especially at the ends of phrases)