The Renaissance

• Rebirth, or renaissance of human creativity

• Period of exploration and adventure (Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan)

• Curiosity and individualism (Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo). Interest in realism

• Humanism

• Catholic Church is less powerful than during Middle Ages –Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation

• More books are printed in Europe (printing

press)

• Italy is the center of Renaissance art

Music in the Renaissance

1450-1600

• Every educated person is expected to be trained in music

• Renaissance town musicians: higher pay and status

• Flemish composers: parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France. Germany, England and Spain – other countries with a vibrant musical life

Characteristics of

Renaissance music

Words and music– Vocal music is more important than instrumental

– Music enhances the meaning and emotion of the text.

– Moderate, balanced way of expression: no extreme contrasts of dynamics, tone color or rhythm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7W0G1c8fJ0

Medieval music Renaissance music

• poliphony is more important than monody• monody is more important than poliphony• religious music more important than secular

music

• discantus• imititive counterpoint• instrumental music less important than

vocal music

RELIGIOUS SECULAR

VOCALMASS AND MOTETS

MADRIGALSCHANSONS

VILLANCICOS

INSTRUMENTAL DIFERENCIASDANCES

RELIGIOUS MUSIC

Religious music in the Renaissance

Motets

Mass

International characterPolyphonicUsing imitative counterpoint

Religious text in Latin

Composed for the most importantprayers used in the mass; kyrieeleison, gloria, credo, sanctus, agnus dei

Josquin des Prez, Orlando di Lasso, Palestrina, Morales, Guerrero, Tomás Luis de Victoria

Kyrie - Missa Papae Marcelli – PalestrinaSung by the Oxford Camerata

Kyrie - Missa Salve Regina– T. L VictoriaSung by the Sixteen

Miserere. Allegri.

King's College Choir, CambridgeKing's College Choir, Cambridge

Another version. ☺

MASSES

MOTETS

Ave Maria. T.L de VictoriaLa Capella Reial de Catalunya dirigida por Jordi Savall

Ave Verum. Byrd.Tallis scholars

Nuper rosarum flores. G DuffaySung by Cantica Symphonia

Secular music• Vocal music: groups of solo voices with the accompaniment.

• The styles of secular music were particular in each country

Ballets

Villancicos

Chansons

Madrigal

Hoy comamos y bebamos. Juan del EnzinaHesperion XX. Jordi Savall.

Niño Dios d´amor heridoCollegium Vocale Köln

Con qué la lavare. Juan Vasquez.La Colombina (con Raquel Andueza)

Matona, mia cara-Orlando di Lasso

Mille regretz-Josquin des Pres

The Renaissance Ballet (Fa-La)

• A simpler type of secular vocal music

• A dance-like song for several voices

• Mostly homophonic in structure. Fa-la syllables are used as refrain

• Each stanza:

AA – refrain – BB - refrain

Flow my tears. DowlandAndrea Scholl

Now is the month of Maying. Thomas Morley

Instrumental music

• Instrumental music becomes more independent

• Most music is for dance:

– Pavane or passamezzo– duple meter

– Galliard – triple meter

• Harpsichord, organ, lute, recorder, trumpet, cornett, sackbut (early

trombone), viol, regal (small organ with reed pipes), shawm (ancestor of

the oboe)

• Instrumental form of theme and variations (in Spain are called Diferencias)

Cuatro diferencias sobre el tema “Guárdame las vacas” Luis de Narvaez. Intérprete. Xavier Coll

La Spagna (Danza Alta) Francisco de la TorreIntérpretes: Hespérion XXI - Director: Jordi Savall.

De Lesseps' Dance“Shakespeare in love”

http://paolaoliva.wix.com/mc-musica-renacimiento

RENAISSANCE PROJECT

• LETS DANCE!!