Piano TV: Music of the Middle Ages Part 2

Introduction

Focus: Discuss secular (non-religious) music and instrumental music in the Middle Ages.
Previous Video: Covered sacred vocal music.

Challenges: Poor notation records compared to sacred music.
- Sacred music was well-documented by literate monks and nuns.
- Secular music often passed down orally.

Definition: Single melody line songs; 'chanson' is French for song.
Troubadours: Traveling poet-musicians from 12th-13th century France, typically wealthy.
Characteristics:
- Only melody and lyrics were notated.
- No notes on rhythm or instrumentation.
- Often strophic form: same music for each verse.
- Example: "Echantar Merida so cue novoria" by the Countess of Dia.

Era: 14th century, rise of secular music as Catholic Church's influence waned.
Ars Nova: New Art; contrasted with Ars Antiqua (Old Art).
Developments:
- Complex polyphony led to better music notation.
- Rhythmic and pitch notation evolved.
- Example: "Puis qu'en oubli" by Machaut.
- Polyphony: music with multiple independent voices, not limited to human voices.

Church Restriction: Only organs allowed in churches.
Common Use:
- Played for dance and public events.
- Accompaniment for singers.
- Largely improvisational, hence poor notation records.
Dance Music:
- Functional, simple; used for dancing.
- Instruments not standardized; lines of music played by available instruments.
- Distinction between indoor (soft) and outdoor (loud) instruments.
- Example: "Estampie" from the Robertsbridge Codex.

Notation: Development of pitch and rhythm notation.
Musical Texture: Shift from monophony to complex polyphony.
Text: Shift from single to multiple texts in sacred music.
Singing Style: From melismatic to simpler singing (fewer notes per syllable).
Rhythm: Introduction of rhythmic modes.

Interest: Appreciation for the evolution and complexity of Middle Ages music.
Encouragement to check previous video on sacred music and engage via social media.

End of Part 2 in the Music of the Middle Ages series.