Medieval Times

450-1450

Social ClassesNobility

Peasantry

Clergy

NobilitySheltered in castles

MEN:Engaged in combat as knights

WOMEN: Managed estates, looked after the sick

PeasantryThe vast majority of people

lived miserably in one-room huts,these people were also known

as SERFS.

ClergyMonks were learned people.

Most–including the nobility-

were illiterate!Nuns were allowed to sing

and compose music for their choirs.

Medieval MusicMost medieval music was vocal.Instruments were used mainly as

accompaniment. Instruments were frowned on in church~the

clergy complained they distracted worshipers.

Gregorian Chant

The official music of the Roman Catholic church.

A melody set to sacred Latin text, sung a capella.Named after Pope Gregory I.

NeumesMedieval:

Today:

What are the differences?What are the differences?

Neumes

http://rickmk.com/Chant/index.html

Neumes and their modern equivalents, used in Gregorian Chant notation

Go here to see the examples:

Secular MusicDance Music

Minstrels: Troubadours

Love Songs

Jongleurs

Medieval Instruments

Psaltry

Hurdy-Gurdy

Shawm

Rebec

Tabor

Medieval Dancing

Ronde

Branle

Estampie

Saltarello

Farandole

Clothing

Peasantry

Men Women

Clothing/Costumes

Nobility

Coat of Arms

Heraldrythe art of blazoning and marshalling a coat of

armsBy 1400 A.D., bearing a coat of arms had

become a prerequisite to participation in a

tournament, and due to the importance of

social standing in such pageants, a coat of arms also became a mark of noble statushttp://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm