1.1 Medieval music timeline and periodization
3 min read•august 8, 2024
Medieval music evolved from simple chants to complex over 900 years. The Early period saw and notation development, while the High period introduced polyphonic forms like and .
The era brought rhythmic innovations and new secular forms. As Europe transitioned to the Renaissance, and technological advances shaped musical expression, setting the stage for further artistic growth.
Early Medieval Period (c. 500-1000)
Gregorian Chant and Monophony
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- Early Middle Ages spanned from approximately 500 to 1000 CE marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire and rise of feudalism
- Gregorian chant emerged as the predominant form of liturgical music in Western Christianity named after Pope Gregory I
- characterized Gregorian chant consisting of a single unaccompanied melodic line
- Chants performed primarily by male clergy and monastic choirs during religious services and rituals
- Repertoire included various types (mass ordinary, mass proper, office chants)
Development of Musical Notation
- Medieval music manuscripts preserved and transmitted musical compositions through handwritten documents
- developed as early form of musical notation representing melodic outlines and rhythmic patterns
- Neumes initially written above text as squiggles or dots indicating general contour of melody
- Evolved from in campo aperto (without staff lines) to heightened neumes showing precise pitch relationships
- introduced staff notation in 11th century improving accuracy of pitch representation
High Medieval Period (c. 1000-1300)
Rise of Polyphony
- High Middle Ages lasted from approximately 1000 to 1300 CE characterized by population growth and cultural flourishing
- Polyphony emerged as technique of combining multiple independent melodic lines simultaneously
- Early polyphonic forms included organum (adding voice to chant melody) and (note-against-note counterpoint)
- in Paris pioneered complex polyphonic compositions (Léonin, Pérotin)
- Development of rhythmic notation allowed for more precise coordination of multiple voices
Ars Antiqua and New Musical Forms
- ("ancient art") refers to musical style and notation of 13th century Western Europe
- Motets gained popularity as polyphonic compositions with different texts sung simultaneously
- emerged as non-liturgical Latin songs for processions or devotional use
- and composed and performed secular monophonic songs in vernacular languages
- compiled by Léonin and Pérotin became influential collection of polyphonic compositions
Late Medieval Period (c. 1300-1400)
Ars Nova and Rhythmic Innovations
- Late Middle Ages spanned from approximately 1300 to 1400 CE marked by societal changes and cultural shifts
- ("new art") developed in France introducing new rhythmic notations and musical forms
- 's treatise "Ars Nova" (c. 1322) outlined innovative rhythmic principles
- emerged as compositional technique using repeated rhythmic and melodic patterns
- (fixed forms) like ballade, virelai, and rondeau became popular in secular music
Trecento and Italian Innovations
- refers to 14th century Italian music distinct from French Ars Nova
- developed as poetic and musical form with two or three voice parts
- characterized by canon-like imitation often depicting hunting scenes
- evolved as Italian counterpart to French virelai
- Notable composers included , , and
Transition to Renaissance
Cultural and Musical Shifts
- Renaissance transition occurred gradually throughout 15th century
- Humanism emphasized individual expression and revival of classical learning
- Invention of (c. 1440) facilitated wider dissemination of musical scores and treatises
- in 1453 led to influx of Byzantine scholars and texts to Western Europe
- Contrapuntal techniques became more sophisticated with development of imitative polyphony
Early Renaissance Innovations
- technique introduced parallel harmonies in thirds and sixths
- English discant style influenced continental composers ()
- gained prominence (, )
- Sacred music expanded beyond plainchant to include complex polyphonic masses and motets
- Secular forms like chanson and frottola gained popularity in courtly and urban settings
Key Terms to Review (37)
Ars antiqua: Ars antiqua refers to the style of music that flourished in the late 12th to the early 14th century, characterized by the development of early polyphony and the beginnings of rhythmic notation. This period marked a transition from monophonic chant to more complex forms of musical expression, reflecting significant changes in the cultural landscape of medieval Europe.
Ars nova: Ars nova refers to a musical style that emerged in the late medieval period, particularly in the 14th century, characterized by innovative rhythmic notation and the greater complexity of musical forms. It signifies a shift from the earlier medieval music practices to more sophisticated techniques and a new emphasis on secular themes alongside ecclesiastical traditions.
Ballata: The ballata is a musical form that emerged in Italy during the 14th century, characterized by its poetic structure and lively rhythm. It typically features a refrain and is composed for multiple voices, reflecting the social and artistic developments of the Italian Trecento. The ballata became a significant part of the Italian music scene, closely associated with composers like Landini, and stands as a key representation of the transition from medieval to Renaissance music.
Caccia: The caccia is a medieval Italian musical form that emerged during the 14th century, characterized by its lively and often playful style, typically featuring two or more voices singing in canon. This term connects to the evolution of music during the medieval period and reflects the broader cultural and artistic movements of the Italian Trecento, which saw a rise in secular themes and a shift towards more complex musical structures.
Conductus: A conductus is a form of medieval vocal composition that features a sacred or secular text, typically sung in a straightforward manner with rhythmic patterns. It emerged in the 12th century, serving as an important precursor to later polyphonic music and reflecting the evolving styles of medieval musical expression.
Development of Musical Notation: The development of musical notation refers to the systems and symbols created to visually represent musical sounds and rhythms on a written page. This advancement was crucial in the Medieval period as it allowed for the preservation and transmission of musical works, enabling composers and musicians to communicate their ideas more effectively across time and space.
Discant: Discant refers to a style of medieval music that features the addition of one or more voices above a plainchant melody, often with rhythmically independent lines. This practice is significant in the evolution of polyphony, allowing for more complex musical textures and contributing to the development of early choral music forms.
Early medieval: The early medieval period, also known as the Early Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 5th to the 10th century and is characterized by the transition from the decline of the Roman Empire to the rise of feudalism in Europe. This time saw significant cultural shifts, including the preservation of classical knowledge through monasteries and the development of new musical practices that laid the groundwork for later medieval music traditions.
Fall of Constantinople: The Fall of Constantinople occurred on May 29, 1453, when the city was conquered by the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed II, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. This event not only transformed the political landscape of Europe and Asia but also significantly impacted the development of music and culture during the Renaissance, as it led to an influx of scholars and artists into Western Europe.
Fauxbourdon: Fauxbourdon is a musical technique used in the late Middle Ages that involves the use of parallel harmonies to create a fuller, more sonorous sound. This style typically features a melody accompanied by two additional voices, which move in parallel intervals, usually a sixth and a fourth below the melody, resulting in rich harmonization. Its significance lies in how it represents a shift towards more complex textures in polyphonic music during the Medieval period.
Formes fixes: Formes fixes are structured musical forms that became prominent during the medieval period, especially in the context of French music. They consist mainly of fixed patterns, notably the ballade, virelai, and rondeau, which dictate the arrangement of verses and refrains, allowing for both lyrical and musical consistency.
Francesco Landini: Francesco Landini was a prominent Italian composer, poet, and organist of the 14th century, often regarded as one of the most significant figures in the development of secular music during the Italian Trecento. His works reflect the innovations of the Ars Nova style and demonstrate a rich interplay between music and poetry, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of medieval music.
Franco-Flemish Composers: Franco-Flemish composers were a group of influential musicians from the regions of France and Flanders during the late Medieval and early Renaissance periods, primarily in the 15th and early 16th centuries. They were known for their innovative approaches to polyphony, significantly shaping the development of choral music in Europe. Their work laid the foundation for later musical styles, particularly in sacred music settings, and they contributed to the emergence of distinct national styles within the realm of Western art music.
Giovanni da Cascia: Giovanni da Cascia was an influential Italian composer during the late medieval period, particularly known for his contributions to the development of the Ars Nova style. His work showcases a transition from earlier musical practices to more complex rhythmic and melodic structures, which were characteristic of the evolving music of his time. Giovanni's compositions played a key role in bridging the styles of the Italian and French Ars Nova, highlighting the cultural exchange between these two musical traditions.
Gregorian chant: Gregorian chant is a form of plainchant or plainsong that consists of a single melodic line sung in unison, primarily used in the liturgical music of the Western Christian Church. Its development during the medieval period reflects significant religious, cultural, and musical influences, shaping both ecclesiastical and secular music in profound ways.
Guido of Arezzo: Guido of Arezzo was a medieval music theorist and educator who significantly influenced the development of musical notation and pedagogy during the 11th century. His innovations, including the hexachord system and the staff notation, helped transition music theory into a more structured format that would support both ecclesiastical and secular music practices.
Guillaume Dufay: Guillaume Dufay was a prominent composer of the early Renaissance, known for his significant contributions to the development of polyphony in music. His works mark a transitional phase between the late medieval musical styles and those of the Renaissance, showcasing innovative harmonic structures and textures that were groundbreaking for his time. Dufay's music played an essential role in shaping the evolution of choral and secular music, bridging the gap between medieval and Renaissance practices.
High Medieval: The High Medieval period, also known as the High Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 11th to the 13th centuries and is marked by significant developments in music, art, architecture, and society. This era saw the rise of polyphony in music, as well as the establishment of important musical institutions, which greatly influenced the course of Western music history. Additionally, it reflects a time of cultural flourishing, marked by the growth of universities and an increasing interaction between different regions.
Humanism: Humanism is an intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human potential, individualism, and the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. This focus on human experience and rational thought marked a significant shift away from the medieval emphasis on religion and the divine, allowing for new perspectives in art, literature, and music. It laid the groundwork for the transition to Renaissance styles, which celebrated human emotion and expression in creative works.
Isorhythm: Isorhythm is a musical technique used primarily in the late medieval period that involves repeating a rhythmic pattern (called the 'talea') overlaid with a varying melodic line (known as the 'color'). This technique allowed composers to create complex and intricate musical forms, which became particularly significant in the development of polyphonic music and the motet.
Jacopo da Bologna: Jacopo da Bologna was a notable Italian composer of the 14th century, recognized for his contributions to the development of secular and sacred music during the transition from the medieval period to the early Renaissance. His work showcases the characteristics of the Italian Ars Nova style, influencing the musical landscape of both Italy and France, while highlighting the intertwining of music and poetry in his compositions.
Johannes Ockeghem: Johannes Ockeghem was a prominent Flemish composer of the late medieval period, known for his innovative approaches to vocal music and his significant influence on the development of polyphony. He played a crucial role in the transition from medieval to Renaissance musical styles, especially through his use of counterpoint and intricate melodic structures. His work is often recognized for its complexity, which paved the way for future composers in the Renaissance.
John Dunstable: John Dunstable was an influential English composer of the early 15th century, known for his significant contributions to the development of music during the late Medieval period. His works marked a transition from the earlier medieval styles towards the more complex textures of the Renaissance, especially through his innovative use of harmony and polyphony. Dunstable's music laid the groundwork for later composers and reflects the evolving musical landscape of England at that time.
Late medieval: The late medieval period refers to the final phase of the Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 15th centuries. This era was marked by significant cultural, social, and political changes, including the rise of humanism, the development of polyphony in music, and the beginnings of the Renaissance. The late medieval period also witnessed shifts in musical practices and notations, reflecting broader transformations in society and thought.
Madrigal: A madrigal is a secular vocal music composition that originated in Italy during the Renaissance, characterized by its expressive melodies and intricate polyphonic textures. Often written for multiple voices, madrigals explore themes of love and nature, embodying the emotional depth and artistic innovation of the time.
Magnus Liber Organi: The Magnus Liber Organi, or 'Great Book of Organum,' is a significant collection of early polyphonic music, primarily associated with the Notre Dame School in Paris during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. This collection represents a foundational development in the practice of organum and showcases the evolution of polyphonic techniques that were critical in shaping medieval music.
Monophony: Monophony refers to a musical texture consisting of a single melodic line without any accompaniment or harmony. This style was prevalent in early medieval music, particularly in sacred traditions, where it emphasized the purity of the melody and the textual clarity of the lyrics.
Motets: Motets are a form of vocal music that originated in the medieval period, characterized by the use of sacred or secular texts set to polyphonic music. They emerged as a significant genre within the development of Western music, often serving as important liturgical pieces in church services or as independent compositions showcasing the creativity of composers.
Neumes: Neumes are the earliest form of musical notation used in the medieval period, which indicated the pitches and melodic contours of Gregorian chant. These symbols were not a precise representation of pitch or rhythm but served as a mnemonic device to guide singers in their performance of liturgical music, paving the way for the development of more sophisticated notation systems.
Notre Dame School: The Notre Dame School refers to a group of composers and musicians associated with the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris during the late 12th and early 13th centuries, known for their innovations in polyphony and the development of early forms of organum. This school represents a significant turning point in the history of Western music, as it laid the groundwork for the evolution of complex musical structures and notation.
Organum: Organum is an early form of polyphonic music that emerged in the medieval period, characterized by the addition of one or more melodic lines to an existing plainchant melody. This practice marked a significant development in music history, as it laid the foundation for later polyphonic styles and showcased the evolving complexity of musical composition.
Philippe de Vitry: Philippe de Vitry was a 14th-century French composer, music theorist, and poet who played a pivotal role in the development of the Ars Nova style of music. He is best known for his innovations in rhythmic notation and his theoretical writings, which helped to define the practices and aesthetics of the time, influencing both contemporary composers and later generations.
Polyphony: Polyphony refers to a musical texture that consists of two or more independent melodic lines sung or played simultaneously. This concept is crucial in understanding the evolution of music during the medieval period, particularly as it marked a significant shift from monophonic textures, enhancing both ecclesiastical and secular music.
Printing press: The printing press is a mechanical device invented in the 15th century that revolutionized the production of written texts by allowing for the mass printing of books and documents. This invention significantly influenced the dissemination of knowledge and culture during the medieval period, ultimately impacting the evolution of music by facilitating the spread of musical notation and texts across Europe.
Trecento: Trecento refers to the 14th century in Italy, a period marked by significant developments in art, literature, and music. This era saw a transformation in musical styles and practices, as well as the rise of a new cultural consciousness that would pave the way for the Renaissance. During the trecento, music became increasingly polyphonic and featured innovations that would define the Ars Nova style.
Troubadours: Troubadours were medieval poet-musicians from the Occitan region of France, active during the 11th to 13th centuries, known for composing and performing lyrical poetry often centered around themes of love and chivalry. They played a key role in shaping both music and literature during the medieval period, influencing monophonic music styles, secular traditions, and later artistic movements.
Trouvères: Trouvères were medieval poet-musicians from the northern regions of France who composed and performed songs in the langue d'oïl during the 11th to 14th centuries. Their contributions are significant in understanding the evolution of medieval music, particularly in the realm of secular monophonic traditions, as they influenced later poetic and musical developments.