MAPEH 9 (MUSIC VIDEO LESSON 1 - QUARTER 1)

Summary

In this lesson on medieval music, students are introduced to the characteristics of the medieval period, including both sacred and secular music. Sacred music, exemplified by Gregorian chant, was monophonic, acapella, and sung in Latin during religious services. Secular music, represented by the troubadours, was performed by poet-musicians in French and often accompanied by instruments, focusing on themes of love and chivalric values. The lesson also covers historical context, notable composers like Adam de la Halle, and the enduring influence of medieval music on modern sounds.

Takeaways

• 😀 The medieval period in music spans from approximately 700 to 1400 A.D., also known as the Middle Ages or Dark Ages.
• 😀 Gregorian chant was a dominant form of sacred music, developed in the 9th and 10th centuries and sung in unison by monks and priests.
• 😀 Gregorian chant is monophonic, meaning it consists of a single melodic line without instrumental accompaniment.
• 😀 Gregorian chant is based on the Latin liturgy and was used in religious services, played an important role in the early stages of Western music notation.
• 😀 The earliest form of music notation used symbols to represent tone movements and relative duration but lacked specific pitches for notes.
• 😀 By the 13th century, Gregorian chant was written in square notation on a four-line staff, which helped solidify Western music notation.
• 😀 Secular music began to emerge during the latter part of the medieval period, not bound by religious traditions, and was performed by groups of musicians across Europe.
• 😀 Troubadours were poet-musicians in southern France and northern Italy, active from the 11th to the 13th centuries, known for storytelling and performing at social events.
• 😀 Troubadour music often centered on themes of chivalric honor, bravery, and love, and sometimes included instrumental accompaniment.
• 😀 An example of troubadour music includes Adam de la Hale's composition, 'Le Jeu de Robin et Marion,' a romantic story between a knight and a shepherdess.
• 😀 The lesson encourages reflection on whether medieval composers would approve of their music being used in modern times, promoting a discussion on the timelessness of music.

Q & A

What is the time frame for the medieval period discussed in the lesson?

The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages or Dark Ages, is roughly from 700 to 1400 A.D.

What was the influence of the Christian Church during the medieval period?

During the medieval period, the Christian Church greatly influenced Europe's culture and political affairs.

What is Gregorian chant, and who developed it?

Gregorian chant is a form of monophonic sacred music developed during the 9th and 10th centuries, named after Pope Gregory I. It is sung by priests and monks in unison, often without accompaniment.

What distinguishes Gregorian chant from other forms of music?

Gregorian chant is monophonic (one melodic line) and sung in unison without instrumental accompaniment. It is also in Latin and primarily used in religious services.

How was Gregorian chant passed down during the medieval period?

Gregorian chant was passed down through oral tradition, a method known as the 'biba buche' method, where music was learned and shared by word of mouth.

What was the role of troubadours in medieval society?

Troubadours were poet-musicians who flourished in southern France and northern Italy. They told stories of chivalric values, knights, and unattainable love, often performing at medieval celebrations.

How did troubadour music reflect the values of the medieval period?

Troubadour music often revolved around themes of love, chivalric honors, and the bravery of knights. It reflected the ideals of medieval society, particularly the knightly code and romanticized notions of love.

What language was commonly used in troubadour music?

Troubadour music was often sung in the French language.

What was unique about the musical notation used for Gregorian chant by the 13th century?

By the 13th century, Gregorian chant was written using square notation on a four-line staff with a clef, marking the beginning of Western music notation.

What is the primary difference between sacred and secular music in the medieval period?

Sacred music, like Gregorian chant, was used in religious services and was typically monophonic and acapella, while secular music, such as troubadour music, was non-religious and often accompanied by instruments, performed for entertainment.