The Renaissance Period
The word Renaissance means "rebirth". The increased value of individualism in society allowed composers to feel comfortable to write as they chose, while many still followed 'traditional' structure. The technique of printing music, while slow to evolve, helped in the preservation and distribution of music and musical ideas. While religious music was still predominant, secular (non-religious) music became more visible. Many new instruments were invented and existing instruments improved. Instruments were added as accompsniment, and women were encouraged to sing (formerly done only by men).
A CAPPELLA - THE GOLDEN AGE OF SINGING
In a cappella music, singers sang without instruments. Vocal music was still more important than instrumental music during this period. Madrigals were a type of song popular during the Renaissance. These songs were performed in groups of four, five, or six singers. A madrigal was usually a non-religious song, often focusing on love.QUESTION #1: What type of religious songs were popular during this period?
COMPOSERS DURING THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD
France remained a leading producer of choral music throughout the Renaissance. However, as the period reached its end, Italy became the leading producer of renaissance music. Composers were innovative, and began allowing individuality and emotion to appear in their music.QUESTION #2: What composer, considered 'revolutionary' at the time, helped push music into the Baroque period?
FORMING INSTRUMENT FAMILIES
The lute and keyboard instruments becamse very important. The harpsichord (led to the development of the piano) was invented during this time. During this time, families of instruments started to develop. These families were called consorts.QUESTION #3: The word "concert" came from what word used to describe a group of instruments?
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Audio Credit: Wikimedia
Photo Credit: wikipedia.org
Video of a Traditional Renaissance Dance
Video Credit: YouTube
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