Introducing the first three periods of Western Music

History: Medieval Era, Renaissance & Baroque Period.

 Also known as the MIDDLE AGES OR “DARK
AGES”
 Started with the fall of the Roman Empire
 Christian church influenced Europe’s culture &
political affairs.
 Monophonic plainchant was a type of music back
in the medieval era, named after POPE
GREGORY I, who made Monophonic plainchant
the approved music of the catholic church.
 Although it was originally transmitted orally, scholars
agreed to put it in notation to assist dissemination of
chants across Europe.
 NEUMES
 Listen to an example of Gregorian chant
that your teacher will let you hear.
Afterwards, answer the following
questions:
1. What can you say about the
plainchants? What are their
Characteristics?
2. How can you compare it to modern
music made today? (21st Century Music)

 Desciption: The introit Gaudeamus

Omnes scripted in square notation
 Date: 14th – 15th Century
During the later part of the Medieval
Period, secular music (which was not
bound by Catholic Traditions)
emerged!
Most of the songs emerged were
performed across Europe by a group
of musicians called TROUBADOURS.
Usually Monophonic
Sometimes with improvised
accompaniment
Tells of chivalry and courtly love
Originated in France
Written in French language
 - Was one of the oldest
composers of secular music
- His literary and musical
works include chansons and
poetic debates
- His musical play, LE JEU
DE ROBIN ET DE
MARION, was considered
the earliest surviving secular
French play with music.
SOME OF HIS WORKS INCLUDE:

1. Le jeu de Robin et de Marion (the game of Robin

and Marion)

2. La Chanson du roi de Sicile (the song of the king

of Sicile)