Middle Ages and Renaissance

Question 1

Chanson

Answer 1

French popular song of the 14-16th centuries

Question 2

Motet

Answer 2

in the Renaissance, a polyphonic sacred song in Latin usually dedicated to the virgin Mary.

Question 3

Madrigal

Answer 3

secular polyphonic vocal work for 4 to 6 voices; imitative sections contrast with chordal ones; intimately tied to the text, with word painting evident; avoids fixed form. Sung at upper middle class social gatherings. Began in Italy and moved to England.

Question 4

cornett

Answer 4

instrument made of wood or ivory, with a cup shaped mouthpiece. Precursor to trumpet.

Question 5

sackbutt

Answer 5

push-pull. The original trombone, which has not changed in design over the many centuries.

Question 6

shawm

Answer 6

precursor of the oboe.

Question 7

viol

Answer 7

bowed stringed instrument with a fretted neck; six strings tuned a fourth apart w/a major third in the middle. (A d g b e’ a’). Held upright in front of player.

Question 8

a cappella

Answer 8

In chamber. The ideal of Renaissance vocal music. Unaccompanied.

Question 9

Cantus firmus

Answer 9

chant or chant fragment on which polyphony is based.

Question 10

Chorale

Answer 10

Protestant hymn; tunes frequently used as cantus firmi.

Question 11

Fauxbourdon

Answer 11

Dufay compositional technique for 3 voices using the interval of a 6th; creating basically 1st inversion triads

Question 12

Pedal point

Answer 12

sustained note in the bass, over which harmonies move.

Question 13

Word painting or tone painting

Answer 13

intimate link between text and music, sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious. “As Vesta Was Descending” forms a descending line melodically.

Question 14

organum

Answer 14

earliest form of polyphony. Types of organum include 2 part or 3 part, parallel, free, and florid organum.

Question 15

Chant

Answer 15

monophonic, a cappella, latin. Earliest music of the Catholic church.

Question 16

Ordinary or fixed portion of the Mass

Answer 16

Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei

Question 17

Josquin

Answer 17

Famous for experimenting with different combinations of voices and textures.

Question 18

Vernacular

Answer 18

Speaking or singing in the local language.

Question 19

Reformation

Answer 19

Break away from Catholic church. Focus on the vernacular and hymn singing.

Question 20

Counter-reformation

Answer 20

Reaction to Protestantism. Try to recapture people to the church through reforms, especially in music.

Question 21

Council of Trent

Answer 21

1. embellishments to Gregorian chant
2. objected to certain instruments in church
3. use of popular songs in Masses
4. secular spirit in sacred music
5. irreverent attitude of church musicians
6. complex polyphony obscured the text

Council favored pure vocal style

1. simplicity, clarity
2. respected integrity of sacred texts
3. encourage piety