The word Renaissance
(pronounced "reh-neh-sahns'")
came from the Italian term
rinascimento, which means
"rebirth."
The Renaissance period started in
Florence from the fourteenth to
the sixteenth centuries.
● known as the period of the
"Golden Age of Polyphony."
The Catholic Church musician was
less influential in this period than
during the medieval period
Similar to the medieval period, the
vocal music during the
Renaissance, was more significant
than instrumental music.
"golden age" of a cappella, or
unaccompanied choral music.
Renaissance Music: A Harmonious Journey
Renaissance music refers to the rich tapestry of European musical expression during the 15th and 16th centuries. Unlike the Renaissance era in other disciplines, which began earlier, the musical Renaissance blossomed later. Rather than starting from the early 14th-century ars nova, musicologists consider the Trecento period as a bridge between Medieval music and the true Renaissance. Here are some key points about this fascinating musical epoch:
1. The Rise of Triadic Harmony and Contenance Angloise
The Renaissance era witnessed the emergence of triadic harmony, where chords were built on thirds. This harmonic innovation transformed the musical landscape.
The contenance angloise style, originating in Britain and spreading to the Burgundian School, played a pivotal role. It emphasized sweet, consonant harmonies and influenced composers across Europe.
2. Three Distinct Periods
Early Renaissance (1400–1470):
Guillaume Du Fay, a prominent composer, exemplified this period. His works embraced the cantilena style, characterized by lyrical melodies.
Middle Renaissance (1470–1530):
The Franco-Flemish School dominated this era. Composers like Johannes Ockeghem and Josquin des Prez crafted intricate four-part textures.
Josquin stands out for his expressive and emotionally charged compositions.
Late Renaissance (1530–1600):
During the Counter-Reformation, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and the Roman School flourished.
Palestrina perfected the art of florid counterpoint, creating sublime sacred music.
3. Musical Freedom and Personal Expression
Renaissance composers broke free from medieval constraints. They explored greater variety in range, rhythm, harmony, form, and notation.
Vocal music became a vehicle for personal expression. Composers sought ways to align music with the texts they were setting.
Secular and sacred music influenced each other, resulting in a delightful fusion.
4. Popular Forms and Instruments
Chanson: These secular songs, often about courtly love, spread throughout Europe.
Madrigal: A polyphonic vocal form, the madrigal allowed composers to experiment with word painting and expressive harmonies.
Mass: Renaissance composers enriched the traditional Mass with intricate polyphony.
Motet: A sacred choral composition, the motet showcased complex counterpoint.
5. Instrumental Renaissance
Renaissance instrumental music gained prominence.
Organs, brass, strings, percussion
7. Lesson Objectives
1. Define what is Renaissance and its locate its
timeline.
2. Determine the musical elements, themes, and
moods present in Renaissance music.
3. Appreciate the unique characteristics of
Renaissance songs by researching the instruments
used during the said era of music.
10. ● The word Renaissance
(pronounced "reh-neh-sahns'")
came from the Italian term
rinascimento, which means
"rebirth."
RENAISSANCE
11. ● The Renaissance period started in
Florence from the fourteenth to
the sixteenth centuries.
● known as the period of the
"Golden Age of Polyphony."
RENAISSANCE
12. ● The Catholic Church musician was
less influential in this period than
during the medieval period
RENAISSANCE
13. ● Similar to the medieval period, the
vocal music during the
Renaissance, was more significant
than instrumental music.
RENAISSANCE
14. ● "golden age" of a cappella, or
unaccompanied choral music.
RENAISSANCE
27. ● Secular music was divided
between purely vocal works
and those in which the
singers were supported by
instruments.
SECULAR MUSIC OF RENAISSANCE
28. ● The era also saw the growth
of solo instrumental music,
especially for the keyboard
and the flute instruments.
SECULAR MUSIC OF RENAISSANCE
29. ● MADRIGAL
○ was an aristocratic form of
poetry and music.
○ The form became the
direct expression of the
composers' personality,
thoughts, and feelings.
SECULAR MUSIC OF RENAISSANCE
30. ● A madrigal's musical
characteristics demonstrate
rich chromatic harmony, vocal
virtuosity, and rich portrayal
in music of emotional words.
SECULAR MUSIC OF RENAISSANCE
31. Thomas
Morley
(ca. 1557-1602)
● was a theorist, editor, and
organist at St. Paul's
Cathedral in London. He was
a famous Renaissance
composer of secular music in
Elizabethan England.
32. Claudio
Monteverdi
(1567-1643)
● As a composer, he had
motets, operas, ballets,
madrigals, and religious
works where he injected an
emotional intensity that was
new to music.
