Quiz 1. Name two important people or events associated with the 14th century. 2. What is the difference between a “low” and a “high” instrument? 3. Briefly define and describe “mensuration.” 4. Which country was the center of European power and influence during this century, and why?

Early renaissance Approximately 1400-1450

philosophy Renewed interest in ancient Greek texts from Aristotle revived ancient Greek philosophy Humanism Platonism and other Hellenistic philosophies

World events 1415 English decisively defeat the French at Agincourt, which drastically changed the French governing system 1450 the printing press invented Hundred Years War (1337-1453) begins to conclude 1420 the Chinese capital moved from Nanking to Peking

Important people Joan d’Arc and Charles VII Jan Hus Lorenzo d’Medici Johannes Guttenberg

Franco-netherlands

germany Meistergesang Guilds made a living possible for musicians in the middle class Tenorlied

John Dunstaple (Dunstable) 1390?-1453 English Nothing is known of his training or early life May have been married, so likely not a priest Likely in the service of John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford Probably spent extensive time in France Most manuscripts were lost in the dissolution of the monasteries

Contenance Angloise Coined by poet Martin le France Not completely clear what was meant by the term May have referred to the English use of triadic harmony

Pythagorean Intervals Unisons, 4ths and 5ths were easier to tune because of their ratios Thirds and sixths were much harder to tune correctly and so were largely avoided Intervals

Guillaume du fay (1397-1474) Likely an illegitimate son of a priest and a woman named Marie du Fayt Probably raised in Cambrai and trained in music by the church Given a copy of Villedieu’s Doctrinale in 1411 Ordained a priest in 1428 in Italy Received a law degree in 1437 in order to serve as canon

Faux Bourdon

Compare and contrast

Cyclic mass The same cantus firmus used in all movements May be shared between parts May not always be stated in its entirety Often a secular melody

L’homme Armee A French secular song that became the basis of the cantus firmus for many masses for the next century Du Fay may have been the first to use this as a cantus firmus in a mass

Gilles de Binchois (1400-1460) Knew du Fay His father was a musician A court musician, and so many of his surviving compositions are secular in nature Preferred simple melodies without rhythmic complexity Able to retire with a comfortable pension

Questions?