1. See Medieval Hear Medieval Speak Medieval

2. Down goes Rome!
From fall of the Roman empire around 476 CE to the early 15th century
Often called the Middle Ages
Political instability, diseases, and withering commerce. Good times!
Church rose in prominence
Royal courts became important to the arts
Feudalism – Land system of manors, peasants, and nobles

3. Take a Chants on Me!!! Emergence of Plainchant
Often called Gregorian chant (after Pope Gregory)
Part of Mass
Early church folks realized power of music to project sacred text
Musical characteristics:
Liturgical/sacred function
Effective to convey text
Medieval modes
Singable melody, limited range
A cappella, monophonic

5. Hey, Solfege Sister! Invention of solfege (also known as solmization)
Guido d’Arezzo
Ut, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La

6. Troubadours (insert troubadour pun here)
French singer-songwriters
Itinerant
Love songs and laments