Lesson 2 - Renaissance Flashcards
What does the term ‘Renaissance’ mean?
Rebirth
It refers to the revival of ancient Greek disciplines and arts.
Who painted The Creation of Adam?
Michelangelo
What invention in the 1400s greatly impacted music distribution?
The printing press
Who is considered one of the most important Renaissance composers?
Josquin des Prez
What was a significant change in how composers were viewed during the Renaissance?
Composers were seen as artists with the ability to move and influence listeners.
What does ‘humanism’ refer to in the context of the Renaissance?
A return to the humanities: ancient literature, grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and philosophy.
What type of music did Josquin des Prez primarily compose?
Music for worship in the Catholic church service.
What is an interval in music?
The space between two notes.
What are the ‘perfect’ intervals in music?
4ths, 5ths, and octaves.
What interval became popular during the Renaissance?
The interval of a third.
What is a triad?
A group of three notes, stacked in thirds.
What important thing does the third note of the scale indicate?
Whether the music is in a major or minor key.
How did the blending of voices change from the Medieval to the Renaissance era?
From independent voices to more complementary blending.
What is a madrigal?
A secular song for voices, typically setting a poem to music.
Who was Palestrina?
A popular Renaissance composer who wrote over 100 masses.
What approach to music did Martin Luther advocate for in church music?
Music in the worshipers’ own languages and music that was accessible to non-professional singers.
What was the predominant musical instrument during the Renaissance?
The human voice
What types of instruments (other than the voice) were popular in the Renaissance?
- Lute
- Viol
- Keyboard
- Recorder
Why are triads important in the music of the West?
They form the basis of all harmony, which is an essential element of the structure of a piece.
