Markham Woods Middle Music History

Markham Woods Middle

Music History Part 1 The Middle Ages or Medieval Period

Medieval Period: Time Span • From: the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 • To: the early fifteenth century – Approximately 1425 – There was not an exact end to the Medieval Period as different parts of the world transitioned at different times.

• What was before the Medieval Period?

Medieval Period: The Music • Church Music – Most all music in this time period was written for church and religious ceremonies – Most of the music from this period that still exists was written anonymously – Vocal music was dominant as instruments were usually used for accompaniment

Medieval Period: The Music • Music as Entertainment – Most musicians were property of their king or country’s ruler – Most secular music of the time was composed and performed as a means of cultural influence by the king or ruler to impress their subjects and visiting dignitaries – Much of the “royal” music was for dance – Composers had very little expressive freedom

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Bagpipes – Believed to be developed by herdsmen

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Dulcimer – From the Greek dulce melos: sweet sound – A stringed instrument either plucked or played with spoon like hammers

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Gemshorn – From the flute family – Made from an ox horn

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Harp – Most ancient stringed instrument

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Shawm – Predecessor to the modern oboe – Uses an internal cain reed

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Hurdy-Gurdy – Hand crank stringed instrument – Change notes by pushing keys

Medieval Period: The Instruments • Percussion – Drums are the earliest of instruments

Medieval Period: The Composers

• Pope Gregory – Created the plainchant, later named the “Gregorian Chant”

Medieval Period: The Composers • Hildegard von Bingen - 1150 – Ordo Virtutum (Play of Virtues) • A play of 16 virtues versus evil • Each of the 16 virtues is represented by a different voice in • plainchant style - monophonic

Medieval Period: The Composers • Alfonso el Sabio: King of Castile & Leon • “He Who Gladly Serves” • Percussion and Wind Instruments

Medieval Period: The Composers • Francesco Landini – “Behold Spring” • Polyphonic