History of Music
THE FOLLOWING:
for each of the 7 periods of music history we've covered, i’d like you to do the following:
look at all the musical elements which are characteristics found in the music from each one of the 7 periods.
find an example of music NOT FROM THE TEXTBOOK/NOT FROM MUSIC PLAYED IN CLASS and place that musical example in the email you’ll send me, followed by at least two of the musical elements you find to be similar to the music from that period, so, e.g.:
1 - MIDDLE AGES [then you look at all the characteristics of music from this period]
you look for a good example to which has some those musical elements, and you put the link into your email:
https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=ngCRm7uLirA&list=RDEMyWnCf2Anc&index=4
then you tell me what are the elements which compare to music from the MIDDLE AGES:
this piece is similar to music from the middle ages, it has the polyphonic texture (2 or more melodies happening at once) - one melody in long held tones, another melody moving more quickly, also it has monophony (unified melody) it is only sung by male voices, it has no clear tempo. all these elements place this music in the middle ages.
2 - RENAISSANCE - etc.
you continue on to the other 6 periods and do the same for each one.
we’ll discuss in class next week, during our review class
thank you,
HISTORY OF MUSIC FINAL PAPER
sTUDENT nAMES
COURSE ID
INSTRUCTOR
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION
DATE OF SUBMISSION
1 Middle Ages 450-1450
Music of the middle ages was characterized by a lack of music notation. The concept of notation, pitch, and rhythm emerged in the early middle ages (Beard, 2005). Also, it featured simple monophony to advanced polyphony. Therefore single texts could be translated into multiple texts. Besides, the incorporation of multiple musical notes per syllable became popular. Still, the music lacked rhythm and relied on rhythmic modes. However, the lack of rhythmic structure and the growing complexity introduced rhythmic unity that birthed rhythmic notation (Carroll, 2006). Still, music was largely monophonic as it relied on a single voice or melody. Later, monophony developed into polyphony (Use of multiple melodies). The emergence of polyphony was a game-changer as it developed into highly complex polyphony during the renaissance, and later, the fugues during the baroque period (Beard, 2005). Music was modal rather than based on a specific key. Modes replaced the key signature.
Music of the Middle Ages; Early Organum
/watch?v=SgHzH5iDcGQ
2 Renaissance (approximately 1450-1600)
The chord progression and the perfect fourth emerged and extensively changed music tonality. Renaissance music was largely modal. Musical modes advanced, and obtained a richer and fuller texture unlike the monophony and polyphony of the previous era (Levi, 2011). The music texture comprised four or more separate melodic segments. The merging of discrete melodic parts (polyphony) became a defining characteristic of renaissance music. The concept of blending emerged, contrasting the melodic lines thereby changing the musical texture. Still, musical harmony developed out of the need for a smooth music flow (Beard, 2005). Music progression gained popularity as polyphony led to a remarkable change in the renaissance musical sound. Polyphony demanded a larger musical ensemble and sets of instruments that blended to produce a whole vocal range.
Paolo Buonvino & Skin - Renaissance (Music From "Medici Masters of Florence" Tv Series)
/watch?v=TETgHZf6ho0
3 The Baroque Music
The baroque music featured long flowing melodic phrases that often relied on ornamentation. The extensive use of decorative notes e.g. turns and trills marked a departure from the renaissance style. Contrast (variation between loud and soft) alongside solo and ensemble gained popularity (Clayton et al., 2001). Baroque music had a more contrapuntal texture, meaning that it comprised two or multiple melodic phrases merged. Still, terraced dynamics used an abrupt change in volume level, creating a sudden echo effect during the performance. In addition, the harpsichord continua emerged during this era. A classic example of Baroque music is Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. Baroque music featured repeated use of a single melodic idea. Besides, the music gained a continuous rhythmic pattern and balanced homophonic and polyphonic textures (Levi, 2011). The minimal use of percussion but extensive use of orchestral instruments such as strings and winds emerged. In terms of dynamics, the era marked a sudden change from loud to soft.
Baroque Music - Classical Music from the Baroque Period
/watch?v=SaCheA6Njc4
4 Classic (approximately 1750-1820)
The classical period was largely defined by music that emphasized elegance and balance. The music is comprised of short well, balanced melodies coupled with coordinated musical phrases. Besides, music of the era gained a distinct diatonic harmony. Music heavily relied on homophonic textures, comprising melody and accompaniments, and a combination of two or multiple melodic lines (Beard, 2005). The music comprised of contrasting moods and less complicated texture. The shift to homophony emphasized musical beauty, elegance, and balance. Still, there was an emphasis on variety and contrast using dynamics, pitch, mood, and timbre. Classic music was also marked by shorter melodies and clear-cut musical phrasing and cadences. The classical era saw the enlargement of the orchestra in both size and musical range (Carroll, 2006). The harpsichord was dropped in favor of woodwinds. Still, the piano gained popularity often played wi...