BRENT ACADEMY OF NORTHERN CEBU, INC.

Talisay, Daanbantayan, Cebu

Module 1 in Week 1
Grade 10

Lesson 1: MUSIC IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Overview
This learning material is
Objectives
 Describe the musical elements of selected vocal and instrumental music of Medieval,
Renaissance and Baroque music.
 Relate Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music to other art forms and its history
within the era and,
 Perform music from Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque period.

I KNOW!
Directions: Write G on the line if the characteristics refers to Gregorian chant, otherwise write S
for secular music. Write B if the characteristics refers to both.
_____ 1. Flowing rhythm _____ 4. More varied themes
_____ 2. Composed in Latin _____ 5. Medieval music
_____ 3. Written in one melody

LESSON PROPER
 Gregorian chant
The Gregorian chant is the official sacred music of the Roman Cathoic Church for over
1000 years. Before it had been established as such, the eary Christian chant was influenced by
Byzantium, now encompassing Turkey, Palestine and Syria. Hymns of praise song that are not
derived from biblical sculpture were from Byzantium. Palestine directly influenced the early
Christian chant through the Hebrew chant. Syria developed antiphonal singing (alternate singing
of chant) and responsorial singing (a solo voice part followed by singing in unison of the choir).
The Gregorian chant has the following characteristics:
1. Usually performed acapella
2. Limited range and song in Latin
3. Monophonic texture (single melody)
4. Unmetered (does not have time signatures)
5. Conjunct melody (stepping melodic contour with few skips)

Secular Music of the Medieval Period

Secular mean not associated with the church or religion. Secular music in Medieval time
was influenced by the powerful authority that focused more on the legal system of society. They
included love songs that used musical instruments, such as harp, drums and bagpipes. The
performers of secular songs traveling minstrels. These minstrels are of low social order, along
with the prostitutes and slaves, who are no civil rights They entertain feudal courts with their
acrobatic shows, jugglery and trained animals.
Secular songs have the following distinguishing traits in comparison with the Gregorian
chants.
1. Generally, secular songs are syllabic.
2. They employ more topics or themes than chants
3. They are written with only one melody, similar to chants.
4. They are mostly in triple meter, unlike the free-flowing rhythm of chants.
5. Native languages are used in creating the sings, unlike Latin used in chants.

Adam de la Halle
In France, the medieval secular songs are written by poet-musicians called troubadours
and trouvéres. They were educated and cultured men from the nobility class residing in the
feudal courts. One of these trouvéres is Adam de la Halle.
Adam de la Halle was born in France, probably in 1237. His nickname Adam of Arras,
suggests that he came from Arras, France. He studied theology, grammar and music in
Cistercian. Abbey of Vaucelles. He was eventually associated with the family of Charles of
Anjou, King of Naples. It was at the court of Charles when he composed the most famous of his
works. Le Jeu de Robin et Marion, a musical play that was cited as the earliest surviving secular.
French play with music. He also composed another play. Le Jeu de la Feullée, which is a satirical
drama.

I ACCOMPLISH
A. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the Gregorian chant and the secular music
of the Medieval period. Draw the diagram in ¼ piece illustration board. Take a picture of
the diagram and send it to your teacher via email. Wait for his or her response.
B. Listen to the following representative music in YouTube.
 Nicene Constantinopolitan Latin Creed
 Je Vivroie Liement/ Liement Me Deport
Write a paragraph reaction based on what or how you feel after listening
to each piece of composition. Send your reaction to your teacher via email. Wait for or
her feedback.
C. Analyze the distinct style of the two compositions based on six ximple musical elements.
Copy the table encrypted in the OR code to your MAPEH notebook. Complete the table.
D. Watch “Trebuchet” in YouTube.
The animation shows example of Medieval drawings. Relate Medieval music to Medieval
art by creating your own painting on drawing based on your understanding of the kind of
music during the period. Take a close-up picture of the artwork and send a copy to your
teacher. The artwork will be assessed based on the rubric.

I CREATE
To show appreciation of the Medieval music, perform a Gregorian chant or a
secular song. Both may have accompaniment, which may be a group, as long as you
practice health safety and social distancing. Request somebody to take a video of your
performances. Send a copy of the video to your teacher through email. Your music video
will be assessed based on the rubric.
I ACHIEVE
Write G on the line if the characteristic refers to Gregorian chant, otherwise, write S for
secular music. Write B if the characteristics refers to both.

_____ 1. In triple meter _____ 4. Written in one melody

_____ 2. Medieval music _____ 5. Written in native language
_____ 3. Less varied themes

I REVIEW
In this lesson, you learned that…
 The Medieval period was an era where musical activity was dominated by the Roman
Catholic Church.
 The Gregorian chant is the official sacred music of the Roman Catholic Church for over
1,000 years.
 Secular songs during the medieval period are performed by wandering minstrels.