Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Question 1

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina musical style and contributions

Answer 1

• associated w/ the Counter-Reformation
• spiritual character in composition (fee personal faith)
• vocal polyphony in a cappella style
• polyphony balances w/ homophonic textures
• approach to mass composition
• individual vocal lines moved mostly by step or narrow leap
• clarity in text setting
• dissonance avoided or used w/ care
• “Palestrina style” served as model for counterpoint students to this day

Question 2

How did Palestrina approach his mass compositions?

Answer 2

• include cantus firmus
• parody
• paraphrase
• canon
• 4 to 6 voices

Question 3

How did Palestrina achieve clarity in text setting?

Answer 3

• chordal texture
• clear-cut phrases
• musical accents that correspond w/ text

Question 4

How did Palestrina use dissonance with care?

Answer 4

• used dissonance as passing note or off beat

- if on the beat, resolved immediately