Renaissance Music

Question 1

What is the time period of Renaissance music?

Answer 1

1450-1600

Question 2

What are the differences between the Renaissance and Medieval period?

Answer 2

In the Renaissance period, secular music is more popular, as well as music written only for instruments. Modes are used more freely, including accidentals.

Question 3

What are some similarities between the Renaissance and Medieval period?

Answer 3

Music is still based on modes, however these are used with ore freedom, using accidentals.

Question 4

What are some new composition methods?

Answer 4

Imitation

Question 5

Describe secular music for voices:

Answer 5

• some are contrapuntal in texture, with use of imitation.

- others are mainly chordal, with clear-cut rhythms.

Question 6

Give examples of secular music for voices:

Answer 6

• the German lied
• the Italian frottola
• the Italian madrigal
• the French chanson

Question 7

What are the 3 kinds of Elizabethan Madrigals?

Answer 7

1. the Madrigal proper
2. the Ballet
3. the Ayre

Question 8

Describe the Madrigal proper:

Answer 8

It is very contrapuntal in texture, with use of imitation. ‘Word-painting’ is used.

Question 9

Describe the ballet:

Answer 9

It is lighter in style than the Madrigal proper. It has clear-cut, dance-like rhythms, and it has a mainly chordal texture. It has a ‘fa-la-la’ refrain.

Question 10

Describe the ayre:

Answer 10

• solo voice+lute accompaniment
• solo voice+viol accompaniment
• all parts sung by voice

Question 11

State the name of the 5 most popular composers in this period:

Answer 11

• Machaut
• Gibbons
• Dunstable
• Palestrina
• Josquin des Prez

Question 12

Describe the musical texture:

Answer 12

The texture is richer and fuller, in 4 or more voice parts. There are more blending rather than contrasting strand in the musical texture.