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). Interest in realism
• Humanism
• Catholic Church is less powerful than during Middle Ages –Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation
• More books are printed in Europe
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
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
Sicut Cervus. PalestrinaPerformer: Voices of Ascension
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
IO PARTOGesualdo
MilleregretzJosquin
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)
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
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”
EXTRAS
La bella y graciosa moza. Les luthiers
Moai doo wop Lets play rhythm heaven set 2 min 10.20
Munchy monk. Lets play rhythm heaven set 4
King´s consort allegri