LESSON 2

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Medieval Period or middle Ages begins with the

fall of the Western Roman Empire and ends with the
Renaissance and Age of Discovery, covering a
period from 5th to 15th century.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
During this era, the Christian Church was greatly influenced
by Europe’s culture and political affairs.
A monophonic plainchant known as Gregorian Chant
was named after Pope Gregory I, who made this an approved
music of the Catholic Church. Pope Gregory’s action made
these monophonic plainchants popular during the period.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 This was the time of socio-political system called

‘’feudalism.”
 The Church aggressively gained influence and
power, through a system called “Inquisition.”
 This period is also known as the Dark Ages.
 This was a time when “pseudo sciences” were in
practice
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 Black Plague – This was a sickness that brought

death all over Europe.
 This made the surviving realize their own value and
caused them to demand higher wages.
 The Crusades..
There are two categories of music during
this period:
 The Sacred
 Secular
Medieval Period

 Music that was performed inside the Church

is?? _______
 A music that was performed outside the
Church is?? ________
SACRED MUSIC DURING THE
MEDIEVAL PERIOD:
THE GREGORIAN CHANT
- Catholic Mass anywhere in the world, used to
take about three hours of ritual and music using
the Latin Language.
Characteristics of the GREGORIAN
CHANT
 Pair Work: Investigating the Gregorian Chant
 “O Sapientia:”
Listen, then answer the following
questions:
1. Do you hear many melodies in the music?
______
2. Are the voices you hear male or female?
______
3. What do you think is the language of the
music? ______
4. Do you hear instruments? _______
O Adonai
O Sapientia
O Adonai
O Sapientia
SACRED MUSIC DURING THE
MEDIEVAL PERIOD
 Music was used extensively in the Church, as
a form of prayer, expressing love for God,
and as part of religious ritual such as the Holy
Mass.
 Sacred Music or Church Music prevalent in
the Medieval period was the Gregorian
Chant.