What is sacred music in the Middle Ages?
Simply put, sacred music is music written for the Church. As early as the Medieval era, we see what is now known as sacred music begin, starting with plainchant and moving through early polyphony. The Renaissance era saw the explosion of polyphony, while the Baroque era was more restrained and controlled.
What are the characteristics of music in medieval period?
Characteristics of Medieval music Medieval instrumental music may be characterized by its thin “texture” (relatively few instruments as opposed to the “thick texture” of a full symphony orchestra); very rhythmic character; and repetitive quality, as well as by the distinctive sound of instruments of that era .
What was the difference between sacred and secular music during medieval period?
For most of the Medieval Era (ca. 500-1450), music was primarily reserved for the Church and for some lucky members of the elite class. Sacred music was primarily in the form of the motet or the Mass, while secular music included madrigals and the rise of both instrumental music and dance music.
What instruments were used in medieval music?
Instruments, such as the vielle, harp, psaltery, flute, shawm, bagpipe, and drums were all used during the Middle Ages to accompany dances and singing. Trumpets and horns were used by nobility, and organs, both portative (movable) and positive (stationary), appeared in the larger churches.
What is the similarities of secular and sacred music?
Secular and sacred types of music both run the gamut in emotional tone from somber to joyous. Oratorio and opera are examples of musical forms that are very similar, although oratorio is sacred and opera is secular.
What are the characteristics of Cantata?
The term ‘cantata’, invented in Italy in the 17th century, refers to a piece of music written for voice or voices and instruments. It applies broadly to works for solo voice, multiple soloists, vocal ensemble, and with instrumental accompaniment of keyboard or instrumental ensemble.
What are the characteristics of an oratorio?
Oratorio, a large-scale musical composition on a sacred or semisacred subject, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. An oratorio’s text is usually based on scripture, and the narration necessary to move from scene to scene is supplied by recitatives sung by various voices to prepare the way for airs and choruses.
What made the baroque period unique?
The Baroque style is characterized by exaggerated motion and clear detail used to produce drama, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and music. Baroque iconography was direct, obvious, and dramatic, intending to appeal above all to the senses and the emotions.
What was the role of the composers in Baroque period?
During the early Baroque period, composers were treated like servants by the aristocrats and were expected to cater to their musical whims, often at a moment’s notice. Mark’s Basilica in Venice became an important venue for musical experiments./span>
What are the elements of baroque music?
Baroque music is characterised by:
- long flowing melodic lines often using ornamentation (decorative notes such as trills and turns)
- contrast between loud and soft, solo and ensemble.
- a contrapuntal texture where two or more melodic lines are combined.
What is the text setting in Baroque period?
Oratorio. The setting of a sacred or heroic text for chorus, soloists, and orchestra. The details of the story are conveyed through recitative.