Music

Module1

Anne Joyce A. Edmilao Lpt

Instructor
 MUSIC

Music of Medieval,
Renaissance, and
Baroque Periods
The learner demonstrates an understanding of basic concepts and processes in
music and art through appreciation, analysis and performance for his/her self-
development, celebration of his/her Filipino cultural identity and diversity, and

expansion of his/her world vision.

Key-stage standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of salient features of music and art of the
Philippines and the world, through appreciation, analysis, and performance, for
self-development, the celebration of Filipino cultural identity and diversity, and
the expansion of one’s world vision.

Content standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of the characteristic features of the music
of the medieval, the renaissance and the baroque periods.

Performance standard
The learner…
Performs selected songs from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• Chants • Excerpts from Oratorio • Troubadour

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 Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Music

• Madrigals • Chorales
Introduction
The first three periods of Western Music History are classified as Medieval,
Renaissance, and Baroque. Each period has its distinctive characteristics,
historical and cultural background.
A type of music from the Medieval Era is Gregorian chant, which was mainly used
in the early Christian church.
Music during the Renaissance Period became an important leisure activity.
Members of the upper class were expected to have received musical training.
Imitative polyphony is the distinctive characteristic of Renaissance music.
The Baroque Period is characterized by grand and elaborate ornamentation of
sculptures, theaters, arts and music. The music genres which flourished during the
Baroque Period were the Concerto, the Fugue, the Oratorio and the Chorale.
Music evolved alongside with man’s constant quest for growth and development.

Objectives
At the end of this module, you, as a learner, are expected to:

➤ Listen perceptively to selected vocal and instrumental music of Medieval,

Renaissance and Baroque Periods.

➤ Explain the performance practice (setting, composition, role of composers/

performers and audience) of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods.

➤ Relate Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music to its historical and cultural
background through dramatization.

➤ Sing selections of medieval chants, troubadour songs, madrigals, and oratorios

with correct pitch, rhythm, expression and style.

➤ Describe musical elements of given Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music.

➤ Explore other arts and media that portray Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque
elements.

➤ Improvise appropriate accompaniment to given Medieval and Renaissance songs.

➤ Create and perform songs in Gregorian and Troubadour styles.

➤ Play simple melodies of a chorale and provide accompaniment.

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Pre–assessment
To assess what you know about the music of the Medieval, Renaissance and
Baroque Periods, answer the following activities.

Part I. Guess Who?

You will need:
Pictures of different composers
Name of the composers written in strips of cardboard.

Do as Directed:

1. Write the name of each composer below the picture.

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Part II. Guess When?

Direction: Classify the items in the box according to the historical period to which
it belongs. Write the words in the column below.

Gregorian Chants Mass

Fugue Concerto Grosso
Troubadour Music Oratorio
Madrigal Chorale

MEDIEVAL PERIOD RENAISSANCE PERIOD BAROQUE PERIOD

Music is timeless. Melodies from the past can still be heard today. Tunes may be
played differently in the techno – world, but one thing never changes, “Music will
always be part of man’s everyday life”.

Listen to the following songs:

1. Canon Rock http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jau8gMtapQo
2. Canon in D by Pachelbel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1kGJoGVpOs

➤ Look for other songs which were originally composed during the Medieval,
Renaissance or Baroque periods that have been revived today. They may have
been used as background music for commercial, movie, “teleserye“, and other
media purposes. reflection:
1. Were you aware that some of those music were composed centuries ago?
2. How was it used as background music?
3. Do you think they were used creatively? Was the music used appropriately?
4. If you were one of the original composers, would you allow your compositions
to be used as they are used today? Why or Why not?

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What to know

In this module, you will learn the first part of the history of Western music.
We will be discussing the characteristic features of each period, composers,
historical and cultural backgrounds.

Music of the medieval period (700–1400)

The Medieval period is also known as the Middle Ages or “Dark Ages” that
started with the fall of the Roman Empire. During this time, the Christian
Church influenced Europe’s culture and political affairs.
Monophonic plainchant was named after Pope Gregory I, who made this the
approved music of the Catholic Church. Pope Gregory’s action made
monophonic plainchants popular. Although it was originally transmitted
orally, scholars agreed to put it in notation to assist dissemination of chants
across Europe. characteristics of the Gregorian chants:

• monophonic

• Free meter

• Modal

• Usually based on Latin liturgy

• Use of Neume notation

The music sheet below is a notated Gregorian Chant written in Neumes:

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Listen to the link that features a Gregorian Chant of the Medieval Period
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK5AohCMX0U. reflection:

After listening to the selection, were you able to identify the characteristics of
Gregorian Chants?
During the latter part of the Medieval Period, secular music which was not
bound by Catholic traditions emerged. Most of these songs were performed
across Europe by groups of musicians called Troubadours. troubadour Music:

• Usually monophonic
• Sometimes with improvised accompaniment
• Tells of chivalry and courtly love

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• Originated in France
• Written in the French language famous composer of the Medieval period:
Adam de la Halle, France, 1237 – 1288

Adam de la Halle was also known as Adam le Bossu (Adam the

Hunchback). He was the son of a well – known citizen of Arras, Henri de la
Halle. He received his education at the Cistercian Abbey of Vaucelles, near
Cambral. Adam was destined for the church but he eventually married. His
patrons were Robert II, Count of Artois, and Charles of Anjou, brother of
Louis IX.
Adam was one of the oldest secular composers whose literary and
musical works include chansons and poetic debates. He was a trouvére, poet
and musician, whose literary and musical works include chansons and jeux-
partis (poetic debates) in the style of the trouveres,

Adam De La Halle, Miniature in musical codex s. XIII

Source: http//picsdigger.com/image/cfd4783 Artist: Unknown

Polyphonic rondel and motets in the style of early liturgical polyphony. His
musical play, “Jeu de Robin et Marion” was considered the earliest surviving
secular French play with music.

1. Le Jeu de Robin et de Marion

2. La Chanson du roi de Sicile
Listen to the link below that features “ LeJeu de Robin et Marion”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHoebp8Vgxs

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Music of the Renaissance Period (1400–1600)

The term “Renaissance” comes from the word “renaitre” which means
“rebirth”, “revival”, and “rediscovery”. The Renaissance Period is a period of of
“looking back” to the Golden Age of Greece and Rome.
The invention of printing in the 1400’s paved the way for a wide distribution
of renaissance compositions. With the emergence of the bourgeois class,
renaissance music became popular as entertainment and activity for amateurs
and the educated. Lute was the prominent instrument of the renaissance era.
The influence of the Roman Catholic Church started to decline as the new music
genre arose. Though sacred music was still of great importance, secular music
became more prominent in the renaissance period. This era was also known as
the “golden age” of a capella choral music.
Other historical facts during this era is the discovery of the actual position
of earth in the solar system by Copernicus, the invention of compass creating a
wider navigation not only of the lands but also of the oceans, and Martin
Luther’s Protestant reformation.

Characteristics of renaissance Music:

• Mostly polyphonic
• Imitation among the voices is common
• Use of word painting in texts and music
• Melodic lines move in a flowing manner
• Melodies are easier to perform because these move along a scale with a few

large leaps vocal Music of the renaissance period

1. Mass – is a form of sacred musical composition that sets texts of the

Eucharistic liturgy into music.

Characteristics of the Mass:

• Polyphonic
• May be sung a cappella or with orchestral accompaniment
• Text may be syllabic (one note set to each syllable), neumatic (a few notes
set to one syllable), or melismatic (many notes to one syllable)
Five Main Sections of Mass:
1. Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy)
2. Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest)

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3. Credo (I Believe in One God)

4. Sanctus and Benedictus (Holy, holy and Blessed Is He)
5. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Listen to the link below that features one of the main sections of the mass.
“Gloria” by Joasquin de Prez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaiXCG0jHB8

2. Madrigal – A secular vocal polyphonic music composition which originated

from Italy. It is written and expressed in a poetic text and sung during courtly
social gatherings. It is the most important secular form during the
Renaissance period.
Characteristics of the Madrigal:
• Polyphonic
• Sung a cappella
• Through–composed
• Frequently in 3 to 6 voices
Listen to “April Is In My Mistress‘ Face” by Thomas Morley reflection:

1. Which music are you familiar with? Why?

2. Which songs can you relate with? Sacred or secular music? Why?
Famous composers of the renaissance period

1. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Rome, 1525 - February 2, 1594

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is said to be the
greatest master of Roman Catholic Church music
during the Renaissance period. Majority of his
compositions are sacred music. He was committed
to sacred music and has a keen interest in
satisfying the desires of church leaders in the
sixteenth century. Palestrina’s Pope Marcellus
Mass is held up as the perfect example of counter -
reformation style. Kyrie is part of the first two
sections of the Pope Marcellus Mass.
His career reflects his commitment to the
music of the church. He received his early training
and spent the majority of his career in various
churches in Rome, including the pope’s chapel. He

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was as an organist and choir master at both the Sistine Chapel and at St.
Peter’s which may have influenced his distinctively pure and restrained
style in musical compositions. Palestrina also served as an organist in St.
Agapito. His first book Masses became popular and was greatly appreciated
by Pope Julius III.
Palestrina has two sons but lost them both during the plague epidemic
that struck Rome in 1570’s. He had planned to become a priest but
eventually changed his mind and married a wealthy widow. This improved
his wealth and enabled him to pursue a musical career for the rest of his life.
Listen to the links below that feature the opening Kyrie
(Excerpt from “Pope Marcellus Mass)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itKeTpK83IY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB-i_V9QPt8

2. Thomas Morley, 1557 – 1602

Morley was born in Norwich, East England, the son of a brewer. He was
a singer in the local cathedral from his boyhood, and he became master of
choristers there in 1583.Thomas Morley was the most famous composer of
secular music in his time. He was a singer in the local cathedral during his
childhood and was believed to have studied music with William Byrd, an
Elizabethan composer of sacred music. He received his Bachelor’s degree in
Oxford and became an organist at St. Paul’s in London.
He tried imitating Byrd in his early works but veered towards composing
madrigals that show a variety of color, form and technique. Most of his
madrigals are light and easy to sing with some aspects of Italian style. His
Musica Transalpina, a collection of Italian madrigals fitted with English
text, was published in 1588 by Nicholas Yonge. Shortly after, he began
publishing his own collections of madrigals and made significant
contribution to the history of music.
His works include:
• Fire, Fire, My Heart
• Sing and Chant It
• Fantasie
• April Is In My Mistress’ Face
• It Was A Lover and His Lass

Research and listen to Thomas Morley’s works.

You may use the following links that feature a madrigal composition

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“Fire, Fire, My Heart” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61aEb5Qt6-

U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBWKp4-_w4E

Reflection:

1. Which madrigal did you enjoy more? Why?

2. Based on what you have heard, do you agree that the compositions of
Palestrina and Morley reflect their personalities? Why or Why not?
Music of the baroque period (1685–1750)
The word Baroque is derived from the Portuguese word “barroco” which means
“pearl of irregular shape”. Some of the great composers of this time were
George Friedrich Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, and
Antonio Vivaldi.
During this time, the arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate
ornamentation. These were clearly seen in the musical compositions created by
Baroque composers.
New instrumental techniques and changes in musical notation were
developed. Major and minor tonality was also created in this period. A lot of the
musical terms and concepts that evolved in this era are still used today.
Characteristics of baroque Music:

• Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental

• Melodies are not easy to sing or remember
• Primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony
• Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and soft
• Music genres—operas, oratorios, suites, tocatas, concertó grosso, fugue
• Orchestra consists of strings and continuo
• Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are commonly used
• New forms:
1. binary – AB
2. ternary – ABC
3. ground bass
4. fugue

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Music Genres of baroque Music

1. Concerto – A form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument
accompanied by an orchestra.
2. Concerto Grosso - A form of orchestral music during the Baroque Period
wherein the music is between a small group of solo instruments called
concertino and the whole orchestra called tutti.
Handel’s Concerto Grosso for two violins, cello, strings and basso
continuo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a32nicpS3rk

Vivaldi’s Winter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKfuhLCVldg

reflection:

1. Which video did you enjoy the most? Why?

2. What is the most evident difference between the two concertos?

3. Fugue
• A contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative counterpoint

• It is usually written in 3 or 4 parts, with a main theme called “subject”

• The entire piece grows mainly from a single brief tune of strong musical
character

Access this link through the internet and listen to:

Bach’s toccata and Fugue in D minor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9rZjlsyYY

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Reflection:

1. Which part did you find interesting?

2. Did you hear melodies that imitate each other? Which part?
3. Do you know any other music where imitative counterpoint is evident?
Can you name some titles?
4. Oratorio – a large scale musical composition for orchestra and voices that
incorporates narratives on religious themes. Unlike usual theatrical works,
this is usually performed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action. It is
usually written in the native language for the intended audience.
Examples:
a. Handel’s “Messiah,” “Samson,” “Israel,” and “Egypt”
b. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”
c. Haydn’s “The Creation”
Listen to the link below that features Oratorio vs. Opera

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYVGtAJ7ujA reflection:

1. Which of the characteristics of an Oratorio were seen on the video?

2. What are the major differences of an Oratorio from an Opera?
3. Have the differences been shown clearly?

5. Chorale – musical compositions that resemble a harmonized version of

hymnal tunes of the Protestant Church during the Baroque era.
Listen to the links below that features:
Baroque Chorale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBakTvwEes
Chorale trio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYFPLVrCWDk

Reflection:

1. What is the difference between the two chorales?

2. Have you watched any modern chorale presentation?
3. Can you identify any similarities between the chorales of the Baroque
Period and chorales of the present time?

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Famous composers of the baroque period

1. Johann Sebastian Bach

Born: Germany, March 21, 1685; Died: July 28, 1750
J.S. Bach came from a family of musicians. He was taught to play violin
by his father who was then the town musician in Eisanach. He entered
school at age 7 where he was taught religion and other subjects. He became
orphaned at age ten. His brother, a church organist provided for him. Bach’s
beautiful soprano singing voice helped him to be accepted at a school in
Luneberg. A few years later, his voice changed and Bach focused his
attention to playing the violin and harpsichord.
Bach was a religious man. His personal and deep faith is shown in his
sacred music. He was known for his compositions for organ, orchestra, and
oratorio. His most important and long – term position was as “cantor” at St.
Thomas Church.

His works include:

• Concerto Grosso
e.g. Brandenburg Concertos (concerto grosso)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw2dlZ8V4-0
• Masses e.g. Mass in B minor

• Cantatas e.g. Cantata 208 and 211

• Fugues
e.g. Fugue in G minor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1XD1MSES_8
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
• Works for clavichord and harpsichord
e.g. Well-Tempered Clavier (one of his more well-
Johann Sebastian Bach
known ketboard improvisations)
Date: 1746

Source: Unknown This link is another version of Bach’s Toccata and

Artist: Elias Gottlob Haussmann Fugue in D minor played on glass harp (musical
glass) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRj-
T4l-e8

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2. Antonio Vivaldi
Born: Venice, March 4, 1678; Died: Vienna, July 28, 1741
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi Antonio Lucio Vivaldi , nicknamed il
Prete Rosso (“The Red Priest”) because of his red hair, was an
Italian Baroque composer, Catholic priest and a virtuoso violinist.
Recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, his
influence during his lifetime was widespread over Europe. Vivaldi
is known mainly for composing instrumental concertos,
especially for the violin, as well as sacred choral works and over
forty operas. He entered the priesthood and was ordained in
1703. Vivaldi is well known for giving the strings a major role in
his compositions.
His most famous piece is The Four Seasons. This composition is a series of four
violin concerti depicting each of the seasons, “Spring,” “Summer,” “Autumn,” and
“Winter.”
Listen to the link that features “Spring” (one of the four parts of The Four Seasons)
at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFHPRi0ZeXE

3. George Friedrich Händel

Born: Germany, February 23, 1685; Died: London, April 14, 1759
George Händel was the second son from the second marriage
of a pastor. Despite his father’s opposition, George secretly
taught himself to play the harpsichord. At age 7, he gained access
to a church organ and started to play. A Duke heard him play
and insisted on giving him a formal music education. Under
Zachau, organist of Halle cathedral, he studied counterpoint,
canon and fugue.
Händel is remembered for his operas and oratorios. Handel
became England’s favorite composer. He had given English audiences music that
in variety and interest rivalled anything they could remember. Handel lost both of
his eyesight in 1753. When he conducted his oratorio, “Samson,” a few in the
audience were unaware that he had lost his eyesight. The Messiah is Händel’s most
famous creation and the very well known “Hallelujah” chorus is part of Händel’s
Messiah.
The Messiah was written in the space of twenty – four days in London but it was
in Dublin when The Messiah was first performed and became an instant success.
Listen and watch the following link that features the “Hallelujah” chorus from
Händel’s Messiah at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c

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Individual assessment

I. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. The period when the Christian Church highly influenced culture and
political affairs in Europe was the:
A. Medieval Period
B. Renaissance Period
C. Baroque Period

2. A through–composed vocal music composition written and expressed in

a poetic text.
A. Troubadour Music
B. Mass
C. Madrigal

3. There are five main sections of the Mass. Which of the following is the
only section of Mass with Greek text.
A. Kyrie B. Gloria C. Agnus Dei

4. Baroque music is known for its grandiose and elaborate ornamentation.

Which of the following Baroque Music forms was developed through
imitative counterpoint.
A. Concerto Grosso
B. Fugue
C. Oratorio

5. Refers to the extended musical setting of sacred music.

A. Fugue B. Chorale C. Oratorio

II. Identify the composer of each selection. (5 pts)

_____ 6. Messiah
_____ 7. Four Seasons
_____ 8. Pope Marcellus Mass
_____ 9. Fire, Fire, My Heart
_____ 10. Fugue in G minor

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What to process
Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music have distinctive characteristics. The
following activities will develop your musical skills as you incorporate the
different musical concepts that you have learned in the first part of this module.
In the beginning, chants were taught orally. However, as the number of
chants increased, singers needed help in remembering the outlines of the
melodies. Later, the chants were notated in the manuscript as a single melodic
line without accompaniment. Neumes were written above the words to suggest
the contour of the melody. Eventually, musical notation of the period was
written as square notes on a four–line staff. listening activities

The following listening activities will help and guide you to experience the
beautiful musical compositions and presentations composed during the
Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods. Be guided by the musical sheets
and music selections for each listening activity. listening activity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5GtmcHZLHw

The first part of “Kyrie Eleison”, written in neumes, was taken from Liturgical
Music Series Part I of highstreethymns.com.

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A. Write the letter of your answer based on the music selection that you have
heard.
_____ 1. Which text – setting style was used?
a. Syllabic b. Neumatic c. Melismatic
_____ 2. What is the texture?
a. Monophonic b. Homophonic c. Polyphonic
_____ 3. In what language was the selection written?
a. Greek b. Latin c. Spanish

B. Answer each question and explain why.

1. Is the music sacred vocal form?
2. Was it sung a cappella or with accompaniment?

Listening Activity: Listen to the songs in the following pages. Use the chart
below to guide you in analyzing the songs.
Title: ______________________
Composer: ______________________
Era: ______________________

Encircle your answer in the chart below.

Elements Description

Language Latin Greek English

Form Vocal Instrumental

Text – Setting Syllabic Neumatic Melismatic

Texture Monophonic Homophonic Polyphonic

Song #1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAdcE4OlBHc
Song #2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c
Song #3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFHPRi0ZeXE

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Illustrator: Please RE-DRAW ALL the music sheets. Erase the song titles and
composer’s names. For clearer view of the music sheets, visit
sheetmusicplus.com Song #1

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Song #2

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Song #3

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What to understand
Musical notation has evolved through time. The following activity will help you
understand how to express Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music in a
different way.

Individual activity contour… factor!

1. Watch the Fugue in G minor as shown in the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1XD1MSES_8

2. Following the sample above, create your own graphic representation of

“Spring” from The Four Seasons

3. Be guided by the checklist below:

4.
My Checklist Guide Evident Not Evident

1. Did I draw my lines to move along

with the contour of the melody?

2. Did I create variations on the lines

used?

3. Are my lines creatively drawn along

with other lines?

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What to perform

The following activities will showcase your talent and what you have learned
about Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Music.

Activity #5 winter duo!

1. Listen to an excerpt from the Largo of Vivaldi’s “Winter” Concerto. To

the illustrator: Insert Music score
2. You can choose to the theme/themes of the piece or play the music using
recorder or piano. Additional accompaniment may be used for texture
enhancement purposes.

Part I Melody

Part II Accompaniment
Criteria 5 pts 4 pts 3 pts 2 pts 1 pt 0 pts

Tempo Appropriate Fluctuates Fluctuates Mostly Not Cannot play

slightly much wrong appropriate

Steady Beat Consistent Fluctuates Fluctuates Mostly Not Cannot play

slightly much wrong appropriate

Melodic No mistakes A few Many Mostly Consistently Cannot play

Pattern mistakes mistakes wrong wrong

Stage Played with Played with Played with Played with Played with Cannot play
Presence excellent very good good confidence less
confidence confidence confidence confidence

Overall Superior Very Good Pretty Good Fair Poor Cannot play
Presentation

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Glossary
cantus firmus – also known as “fixed song” or a pre-existing melody which forms the basis of a
polyphonic composition

Monophony – music consisting of a single melodic line without chordal accompaniment; it is the oldest
type of music

polyphony – music consisting of several (two or more) melodic lines, each having individual

significance and independence sacred music – music that was specifically written for use in religious

services secular music – music that was composed for purposes other than religious

through-composed – songs in which there is new music to each stanza; the opposite of strophic
tonality – system where the musical piece is based on a key center

References
A. Books

Burkholder,Peter, et.al. ( ) Norton Anthology of Western Music. Vol.1: Ancient to Baroque 5th
Edition.

Kamien, Roger ( ).Music Appreciation.9th Edition. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Wright, Craig. (2013) The Essential Listening to Music, 6th Edition. Yale University.

B. Website

http://www.anthonyjosephlanman.com/?p=580&cpage=1#comment-18642

www.onlinesheetmusic.com

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