Renaissance Definitions Flashcards
Chromaticism
the use of accidentals, including all available notes in the octave
continuous imitation
a type of polyphony associated with the Renaissance style where a motive/theme is passed between voices
Homorhythmic texture
all voices have the same rhythm, resulting in a clear text delivery, chordal (homophonic) texture and draws attention to the top voice
modal counterpoint
polyphonic texture based on modes
word painting
reflecting the meaning of sung text through cues in the music.
used in madrigals, operas, and oratorios
Sacred motet
a form of sacred music, originally with 3 voices including polytextuality combining sacred and secular texts
developed in complexity in rhythm, harmony, counterpoint. stil built on cantus firmus
in 15th century became a significant genre of vocal polyphony
Mass
the most important service in the liturgy of the roman catholic church including prayers, readings from the bible
mass ordinary
unchanging prayers of the mass
components: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus dei
Mass proper
changing, variable prayers of the mass linked to the church calendar.
components: gradual, introit, communion, alleluia
Madrigal
a type of secular song in the 16th-17th century. Initially homophonic, later polyphonic, composed for aristocratic audience
- texts were short poems, lyrical/reflective
- through composed
- word painting
- topics include love, humor, politics
consort of instruments
instrumental ensemble
whole consort = all instruments of a family
broken consort= mix combination of instruments
viols
renaissance family of bowed string instruments of various sizes
viola da gamba
from viol family, had 6 strings, held between the legs like modern cello, but fretted like a guitar
virginal
plucked keyboard instrument
simpler than harpischord
