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]
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina - dates & biographical info
1525-1594
most important Catholic composer of the 16th century
[p. 49]
William Byrd - genres & titles
- Instrumental - keyboard works contained in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, including dances, variations (The Carman’s Whistle), and preludes; ensemble works for viol consort, including In nomine settings
- Sacred vocal - Latin motets and masses; English anthems; Great Service for the Anglican Church; other liturgical music
- Secular vocal - consort songs, including Psalmes and Sonets and Songs
[p. 61]
Name at least two pieces written by Josquin des Prez.
- Ave Maria…virgo serena
- Mille regretz
- Missa L’homme arme
- Missa La sol fa re my
- El grillo
[p. 44]
What is the importance of Thomas Weelkes in this unit?
wrote As Vesta Was Descending - an English madrigal in Morley’s collection The Triumphs of Oriana
includes many examples of word painting
[p. 57]
What was decided at the Council of Trent?
condemned “Protestant heresies” and reaffirmed the doctrines of Catholicism
recommendations for liturgical music included:
- the text should be clear and intelligible
- the counterpoint should not be overly dense or thick
- except for the organ, instruments should not be used
- use of secular cantus firmus banned
- displays of virtuosity should be avoided
[p. 46]
What important work did Thomas Morley author?
Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practicall Musicke (1597)
[p. 54]
Thomas Morley - dates & biographical info
ca. 1557-1602
English composer; highly skilled organist; theorist; and music publisher
lived in London, England at the same time as William Shakespeare
[p. 54, 57]
When did Martin Luther post his ‘Ninety-Five Theses?’
1517
[p. 46]
When did Martin Luther live and what is his importance in this unit?
1483-1546
German priest
leader of the Protestant Reformation and founder of the Lutheran Church
reforms included conducting the service in German instead of Latin, and engaging the congregation by replacing elaborate polyphonic settings of the Mass with simpler music: German monophonic hymn tunes that were easy to sing
[p. 46]
Describe Carlo Gesualdo’s musical style.
intensely emotional, highly manner experimental style
extravagant word painting
exaggerated chromaticism with high level of dissonance
abrupt harmonic shifts and chord changes
frequent use of repetition
wrote his own texts, often reflecting guilt and remorse
virtuosic style requires skilled performers
[p. 53]
What was the Council of Trent?
part of the Counter-Reformation
series of meetings of the highest Catholic Church officials
[p. 46]
What is Thomas Morley best known for?
best known for his English madrigals, balletts, and canzonets demonstrating both homorhythmic and contrapuntal textures, use of nonsense syllables, easily singable melodic lines, and generally light-hearted character
[p. 57]
What was the ‘Counter-Reformation?’
mid-16th century reaction of the Catholic Church to the Protestant Reformation
the Church’s attempt to win back support and regain political power and authority
[p. 46]
