Renaissance people, groups, & movements Flashcards
Carlo Gesualdo - dates & biographical info
1566-1613
aristocratic amateur Italian composer and lutenist
Prince of Venosa
knows for murdering his wife and her lover
[p. 51, 53]
What is Orlando di Lasso’s importance in this unit?
wrote Tristis est anima mea - an example of the motet in the 16th century
AKA Roland de Lassus (original Flemish name)
[p. 44]
What was the ‘Reformation?’
16th-century Christian reform movement in Europe, led by Martin Luther
resulted in formation of many new Protestant denominations and churches
[p. 46]
Describe Palestrina’s musical contributions.
his music is often held up as an example of the perfect reflection of the ideals and desires of the Council of Trent and the Counter-Reformation
his music exhibits vocal polyphony, in a cappella style
polyphony is balanced with homorhythmic textures (chordal declamation)
his approaches to Mass composition include cantus firmus, parody, paraphrase, and canon; performing forces range from 4-6 voices
individual vocal lines moved mostly by step or narrow leap
clarity in text setting was achieved through chordal texture, clear-cut phrases, and musical accents that corresponded with the text
dissonance was avoided or used with care (ex: as passing notes or off the beat; if on the beat, resolved immediately)
the “Palestrina style” has served as a model for counterpoint students to this day
[p. 49]
Thomas Morley - genres & titles
- Secular vocal - madrigals, canzonets, and balletts, including It Was a Lover and His Lass; Now Is the Month of Maying; My Bonny Lass She Smileth
- Sacred vocal - burial service, Magnificat, and Latin motets
- Instrumental - keyboard works contained in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book; ensemble works for broken consort
- Other publications - Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practicall Musicke and The Triumps of Oriana (a collection of madrigals)
[p. 57]
Name 3 leading figures in the Franco-Flemish school.
- Johannes Ockeghem
- Josquin des Prez
- Jacob Obrecht
[p. 39]
What other 2 names is the Franco-Flemish School known by?
“the Dutch School”
“the Netherlanders”
[p. 39]
Describe Palestrina’s personal expression through his music.
a reverent, spiritual character in his compositions reflects his deep personal faith
His devotion to the church was so strong that he formally apologized for writing secular madrigals in his youth for which he later “blushed and grieved.”
[pp. 46, 48]
Giovanni de Palestrina - genres & titles
- Motets - over 350, including Lauda Sion; Alma Redemptoris
- Masses - over 100, including Missa Pape; Missa L’homme arme; Missa Lauda Sion
- Other liturgical works - including hymns and magnificats
- Madrigals - sacred and secular
[p. 46, 49]
Josquin des Prez - dates & professional biography
ca. 1440-1521
pursued his profession in Italy
patrons included the wealthy and powerful Sforza and d’Este families
worked in the service of several prestigious churches, including the Sistine Chapel in Rome
[p. 44]
When and where was the Council of Trent?
in Trento, Italy
1545-1563
[p. 46]
Describe Josquin des Prez’s musical contributions.
most successful and renowned composer of the Franco-Flemish School
great master of contrapuntal techniques: canonic writing, imitative counterpoint
music is rich in emotional expression, embodying the humanism of his time
his vocal settings sought to express the meaning of the text through frequent use of syllabic text setting, and closer matching of musical stresses with accentuation of the text and vivid word painting
his music employs modal harmonies, featuring triadic (3rds & 6ths) often spiced with dissonance
[p. 44]
Name a work by Thomas Morley that demonstrates the keyboard virtuosity his pieces required.
Goe from my window, found in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book
[p. 57]
Josquine des Prez - genres & titles
- Motets - close to 100, including Ave Maria…virgo serena
- Masses - 18, including Missa L’homme arme; Missa La sol fa re mi
- Chansons - over 60, including El grillo; Mille regretz
[p. 44]
What is the importance of John Farmer in this unit?
composed Fair Phyllis - English madrigal published by J.F. in 1599
many characteristics of madrigals present in this example
[p. 57]
Which Renaissance composer was known for very emotional musical settings?
Josquin des Prez
[p. 44]
What compositional style/s was the Franco-Flemish School known for?
known for vocal polyphony and highly developed contrapuntal style, particularly in the motet and Mass
[p. 39]
Carlo Gesualdo - genres & titles
- Madrigals - 6 books, including Moro, lasso, al mio duolo in the sixth book (Il Sesto Libro di Madrigali)
- Sacred vocal - including Tenebrae Responsoria
- Instrumental - including works for solo keyboard
[p. 53]
Who influenced Thomas Morley’s compositional style in his sacred vocal works?
William Byrd
[p. 57]
When and where did the Franco-Flemish school flourish?
15th & 16th centuries
in France and Flanders (a region encompassing Belgium and Holland on the modern map of Europe)
[p. 39]
William Byrd - dates & biographical info
1540-1623
English Renaissance composer
singer in the Chapel Royal
[p. 61]
When did Queen Elizabeth I reign and what is her importance in this unit?
reigned 1558-1603
during her reign the madrigal grew in popularity and underwent considerable development
In 1601, a famous collection of 25 English madrigals was published. The madrigals were written in honor of her, including by Thomas Morley and Thomas Weelkes.
was a fine dancer; dancing became a popular pastime; as a result, an increasing quantity of dance music was composed, published, and performed
[pp. 54, 55, 58]
Who was the Concerto delle donne?
Ensemble of the Ladies
one of the most famous ensembles in 16th-century Italy
consisted of 3 trained singers
exceptional artistry & virtuosity garnered them the praise of contemporary audiences and inspired leading composers of the day to create new works for them
[p. 53]
Describe William Byrd’s musical contributions.
best known for his keyboard, instrumental ensemble, and sacred vocal works
composed sacred works for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, in both English and Latin
well represented in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, contributing to the development of idiomatic keyboard style
composed songs for solo voice accompanied by consort of viols (string ensembles), a distinctly English genre
[p. 61]
