Troubadours & Instruments
This medieval French lyric poet/composer sang about courtly love and often performed with simple instruments.
Troubadours
The Plainsong chant used in Western Church liturgies is commonly known by another name that refers to a pope.
Gregorian chant.
This medieval composer and poet, known for writing secular songs and poems, is one of the most famous from the period and his name is Guillaume ____.
Guillaume de Machaut.
In the two-class system described, which group had money and power?
Royalty, Nobility, and Clergy.
What does the term "plainsong" refer to in one short sentence?
a body of unaccompanied church chants used in liturgy.
Name one common instrument a troubadour might play that is similar to a small lute.
Gittern (or lute-like instrument).
Chant texts in medieval Western churches were most often written in this language.
Latin
Name the medieval composer and mystic who wrote many chants and composed music for the women in her convent.
Hildegard von Bingen.
Who were considered the clergy in medieval society? (Give one or two examples from the list.)
Friar, Monk, Bishop, Archbishop.
Name one of the four chant traditions listed in the Hildegard slide besides Gregorian.
Ambrosian, Gallican, Mozarabic.
This stringed instrument used in medieval times has a name similar to "dulcimer" and was often used by traveling musicians.
Dulcimer (fiddle is another valid string option).
This musical term means "singing without instrumental accompaniment."
A cappella (singing without instruments).
At what age was Hildegard von Bingen sent to live at the convent (according to the PowerPoint)?
Age 8.
Who would be included among the nobility? (Give one example title from the list.)
Duke/Duchess, Count/Countess, Baron/Baroness, Knight.
Give one example of a type of written work Hildegard produced besides music (name any one).
encyclopedia on herbal medicines; books on saints; a play; daily journals.
Besides singing, list two types of instruments troubadours might use for performances (name any two from the period).
Examples: fiddle, gittern, dulcimer, trumpets, percussion.
What is a typical setting or place where plainsong/Gregorian chant would be performed?
In church liturgies, convents, monasteries, or cathedrals.
Hildegard claimed to have visions and later became known for many roles. Name two non-musical contributions she made, according to the presentation.
wrote an encyclopedia/book on herbal medicines; wrote books on saints; wrote a play; journaled daily; created a secret language in one book.
How did the daily life of peasants compare to the lives of nobility in terms of wealth?
Peasants had little to no money and lived in simple homes; the nobility and royalty had wealth, large homes, and power.
Name one famous Renaissance person listed on the PowerPoint slides
Leonardo da Vinci, William Shakespeare, Galileo Galilei.
Describe the role of a troubadour in medieval society and explain why their music was important to the nobility.
Troubadours were traveling poet-composers who performed songs about courtly love for nobles and courts; their music entertained the upper classes and helped spread secular song traditions.
Explain briefly what makes Gregorian chant distinct from later music (one clear difference).
Gregorian chant is monophonic (a single melodic line) and modal, while later polyphonic music uses multiple independent melodic lines simultaneously.
Identify one reason popes, kings, or nobles sought Hildegard's advice?
Because she was believed to have mystical visions and was an influential writer and healer—people sought her spiritual guidance and medical knowledge.
Explain how the class system (royalty, nobility, clergy vs. peasants) might have influenced what kinds of music were created and heard during the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
The wealthy classes were patrons of music—churches supported sacred music for liturgy while courts supported secular performers like troubadours; peasants had less access to formal music-making, so patronage shaped which music was composed, performed, and preserved.
Create a short 2–3 sentence explanation of why music and musicians were important sources of culture and information in medieval and Renaissance communities.
Sample good answer: "Music told stories, supported religious practices, and entertained people. Musicians and composers carried ideas, news, and cultural values between courts, churches, and towns."