Medieval Music Flashcards
1
Q
Background to Gregorian chant
A
- Music was at the core of Christian prayer
- The culture of chant was shaped by the rise of monasteries
2
Q
What are the main features of Gregorian Chant?
A
- Male voices
- Monophonic texture (Unison)
- Unaccompanied (a Capella)
- Mood = solemn
- Plainchant
- Conjunct
- Chants fall into three categories
- Syllabic
- Neumatic
- Melismatic - Based on modes
- No time signature
- Lyrical
- Atonal
- Oral tradtition
