Composers
Compositions and Instrumentation
Vocabulary
100

These two English Renaissance composers were granted a monopoly by Queen Elizabeth I to print, publish, and sell polyphonic music.

Who are Thomas Tallis and William Byrd?

100

Derived from an ancient Arabic instrument called an 'ud,' this instrument became very popular in the Renaissance era when it was discovered that it could be plucked with fingers instead of with a quill.

What is a lute?

100

When two or more independent melodies are performed at the same time with equal importance.

What is polyphony?

200

This Italian composer is considered one of the greatest Renaissance masters and his style is what's taught as "Renaissance polyphony" in today's college counterpoint classes.

Who is Giovanni Pierluigi da Palastrina?

200

A keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking the strings inside instead of striking them.

What is a harpsichord?

200

The repetition of a melody by different voices or instruments

What is imitation?

300

This German composer and organist is not known by his German name, Schultz, but by the Latin version of his name.

Who is Michael Praetorius?

300

An instrument ensemble in the 16th to 17th centuries.

What is a consort?

300

A secular, polyphonic French song of the Renaissance Era.

What is chanson?

400

This French composer was known for his vocal compositions and was one of the first Western composers to remain famous after death.

Who is Josquin des Prez?

400

This motet by Guillaume DuFay was written for the consecration of the dome of the Florence Cathedral.

What is Nuper Rosarum Flores?

400

A short piece of sacred choral music, typically polyphonic and unaccompanied.

What is a motet?

500

This early Renaissance English composer is the best represented composer in the Old Hall Manuscript, one of the primary sources of English music from the early 15th century.

Who is Leonel Power?

500

This composition by Josquin des Prez is considered one of the most famous pieces of the 15th century and is an excellent example of imitation.

What is Ave Maria?

500

The art of combining different melodic lines in a song in a way that maintains a meaningful harmonious relationship between the lines some degree of independence or individuality within the lines themselves.

What is counterpoint?

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