Musical Characteristics & Concepts.
This musical texture featuring four or more independent melodic lines blending together became a defining feature of the Renaissance.
What is polyphony?
Expressive secular love songs written for multiple voices, such as Arcadelt’s "Il bianco e dolce cigno", belong to this genre.
What is a madrigal?
This composer was considered the master of high-Renaissance Franco-Flemish polyphony and composed "Ave Maria... virgo serena".
Who is Josquin des Prez?
The Council of Trent prohibited using melodies from popular drinking songs or love tunes as the foundation for these sacred settings.
What are masses (or Latin Masses)?
Meaning "The Cricket," this piece by Josquin des Prez is a popular secular song from Chapter 16.
What is El Grillo?
This technique involves matching musical sounds to the exact meaning of song lyrics, such as using rising notes to represent heaven.
What is word painting?
The pavane and the galliard are two examples of instrumental music used to support this social activity at court.
What is court/social dancing?
Renowned for his smooth Counter-Reformation sacred vocal polyphony, he composed the Pope Marcellus Mass.
Who is Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina?
The Council of Trent prohibited using melodies from popular drinking songs or love tunes as the foundation for these sacred settings.
What are masses (or Latin Masses)?
In 1501, Ottaviano Petrucci printed the first book of music using this technology, making sheet music accessible to amateurs.
What is the movable-type printing press?
The Renaissance is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of this type of choral singing, which is performed without instrumental accompaniment.
What is a cappella?
This popular pear-shaped Renaissance string instrument was famously played and composed for by John Dowland.
What is the lute?
This celebrated English composer was famous for both his sacred vocal works and his keyboard compositions.
Who is William Byrd?
Popular legend falsely claims that Palestrina's composition of this specific work single-handedly "saved" polyphony from being banned.
What is the Pope Marcellus Mass (Missa Papae Marcelli)?
Du Fay composed a famous mass (including a Kyrie) based on this popular tune, which translates to "The Armed Man".
What is L'homme armé?
Rather than sharp accents, Renaissance music was characterized by this type of gentle, flowing rhythmic feel
What are smooth rhythms?
Latin Mass settings and motets represent these two major forms of Renaissance music shaped by religious movements.
What are sacred forms (or sacred music)?
English composer and lutenist known for his melancholic songs.
Who is John Dowland?
Rather than issuing strict specific rules, the Council of Trent left the implementation of musical reforms to these individuals.
Who are local authorities (or local bishops/church leaders)?
Tielman Susato is credited with composing a famous set of instrumental works known simply as "Three _____".
What are Dances (Three Dances)?
This term describes a pre-existing melody—often secular—used as the structural foundation for a sacred mass.
What is a cantus firmus?
This early brass instrument, a predecessor to the modern trombone, was widely played during the Renaissance
What is the sackbut?
This composer created the famous instrumental work "Canzon septimi toni" featured in Chapter 17 listening
Who is Giovanni Gabrieli?
Some conservative cardinals at the council advocated for a complete ban on polyphony and a return strictly to this monophonic style.
What is Gregorian chant?
Translating to "A thousand regrets," this piece by Josquin des Prez expresses deep sadness.
What is Mille regretz?