Definitions
A type of polyphony associated with Renaissance-style where a motive or theme is passed from one voice to another
Imitative counterpoint
Instrumental music that was composed for the organ, harpsichord and clavichord
Keyboard music
Highly chromatic opening passage, virtually every half step within the octave is employed in the first four measures, word painting is used
Moro Lasso al mio Duolo -Gesualdo
Best known for his keyboard, instrumental ensemble, and sacred vocal works. Composed sacred works for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in English and Latin
William Byrd
Latin for Music from Beyond the Alps". Represents the first printed collection of Italian madrigals in England, first volume contains fifty-seven pieces by eighteen Italian composers, including Luca Marenzio
Musica Transalpina
All voices sing in the same rhythm and a chordal texture results
Homorhythmic texture
Composers used secular songs as melodic sources for the cantus firmus, as well as chant melodies.
Movements could be linked thematically.
Could be freely composed, based entirely on new material
Mass
Tune is first presented in a simple two-voice imitative texture, variation 2 adds syncopations in the bass line and inner voice creates rhythmic interest, variation 7 has more active rhythmic movement
The Carman's Whistle - William Byrd
English composer, organist, theorist and music publisher who is best known for his English madrigals, balletts, and canzonets. Influenced by the style of William Byrd in his sacred vocal works
A series of meetings of the highest Catholic Church officials and made various recommendations regarding liturgical music
Council of Trent
A generic term for all plucked keyboard instruments in England. They were generally smaller and lighter than the harpsichord
Motet
Based on Gregorian chant fragment and uses points of imitation and paired imitation. There is also homorhythmic texture in the final couplet
Ave Maria... virgo serena - Josquin des Prez
Aristocratic Italian composer and lutenist, extravagant word painting, exaggerated chromaticism with high level of dissonance
Carlo Gesualdo
A group of composers who flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. Leading figures include Johannes Ockeghem, Josquin des Prez, and Jacob Obrecht
Franco-Flemish School
Melodies and harmonies that include any of the notes available within the octave, in either tonal or modal context
Chromaticism
Texts were short poems of a lyric or reflective character. Music was generally through-composed, word painting was prominent
Madrigal
Six voices are used, but rarely used together. Restrained approach to contrapuntal writing with limited and controlled use of imitation
Gloria from Missa Papae Marcelli by Palestrina
Most successful and renowned composer of the Franco-Flemish School, his music is rich in emotional expression, embodying the humanism of his time
Josquin des Prez
Close to three hundred works are included in this collection and includes a variety of styles. Demonstrates idiomatic approach to keyboard writing and has a style of writing that is virtuosic, including rapid scale passages, ornamentation and novel figurations
Fitzwilliam Virginal Book
A 16th century England and Italian strophic song type which often included "fa-la-la" refrains
Ballett
Italian for "little dance", featured nonsense syllables, strophic song type
Ballett
Section A is in duple meter with a lively, light-hearted mood. Section B is in triple meter and the same music is repeated for the second verse
My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Thomas Morley
A reverent, spiritual character in his compositions reflects his deep personal faith, clarity in text setting was achieved through chordal texture, clear-cut phrases and musical accents that corresponded with the text
16th century Christian reform movement in Eurape led by Martin Luther
The Reformation