Exploring Secular Music of the Middle Ages

Sep 20, 2024

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.

Secular 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.

Monophonic Chansons

  • 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.

Polyphonic Chansons

  • 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.

Instrumental Music

  • 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.

Summary of Developments

  • 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.

Conclusion

  • 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.