The document discusses the history of Western music from the Medieval to Renaissance periods. It provides background on the 6 main periods of music history, with a focus on the Medieval era from 800-1300 CE and the Renaissance from 1450-1600. During the Medieval period, music was mainly composed for the church and vocal music was more important than instrumental. Gregorian chant and polyphony were popular musical forms. The Renaissance saw the beginning of musical notation and a shift to an emphasis on individualism and symbolism over realism.

1. Intro to Music HistoryIntro to Music History
Medieval to RenaissanceMedieval to Renaissance

2. Music of the Middle Ages
From Gregorian Chant to the
Renaissance

3. 6 Periods of Music History6 Periods of Music History
(Ancient) – Doesn’t really count(Ancient) – Doesn’t really count
MedievalMedieval
RenaissanceRenaissance
BaroqueBaroque
ClassicalClassical
RomanticRomantic
ModernModern

4. Ancient PeriodAncient Period
This term refers to the music of theThis term refers to the music of the
Ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome,Ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome,
Babylon, Mesopotamia, et cetera.Babylon, Mesopotamia, et cetera.
Very little is known about the music ofVery little is known about the music of
these civilizations, but it is certain thatthese civilizations, but it is certain that
music played a part in their lives.music played a part in their lives.

5. Vocal / Instrumental music
Can you recall the
differences between
Vocal music and
Instrumental music?

6. Vocal music
is music made specifically
for voices

7. Instrumental music
is made solely for
instruments

8. 1450 – 1600
Renaissance
800 – 1300 C.E.800 – 1300 C.E.
MedievalMedieval

9. Historical background
Beginnings of NotationBeginnings of Notation
Age of curiosity and individualismAge of curiosity and individualism
Symbolism rather than realismSymbolism rather than realism
Invention of printing pressInvention of printing press
Spanned almost 1000 yearsSpanned almost 1000 years

10. Vocal Music
Plain Chant
Word Painting
A capella
Vocal music was more important than
instrumental music.
Polyphony
Troubadours

11. Gregorian Chant
Motet

12. MUSIC
Ars Antiqua
Ars Nova
Ars Perfecta
Parody

13. Medieval Music
1. Most Medieval composers wrote mainly for
the church and remained anonymous.
2. Compositions are more as a function or
duty.
3.Music was held in high regard but those who
made it were not.

14. 4.Church believed that music should
make the listener or participant
receptive to hilt thoughts and feelings.
5. Purely instrumental music was prohibited.
6.Plainchant became a symbol—a means of
ensuring intellectual, spiritual and
aesthetic solidarity with in the Christian
domain.

15. Renaissance
1.“Every educated person was
expected to be trained in
music” – ideal of a universal
man
2.Church choir grew in size

16. 3. Church remained an important patron of
music.
4. Musicians enjoyed higher status and pay
than ever before.
5. Composers were no longer content to
remain unknown.
6. Italy became the leading music center in
the 16th
century.

17. Medieval NotationMedieval Notation