1. Markham Woods Middle Music History
Part 1
The Middle Ages or
Medieval Period

2. Medieval Period: Time Span
From: the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476
To: the early fifteenth century
Approximately 1425
There was not an exact end to the Medieval Period as different parts of the world transitioned at different times.
What was before the Medieval Period?

3. Medieval Period: The Music
Church Music
Most all music in this time period was written for church and religious ceremonies
Most of the music from this period that still exists was written anonymously
Vocal music was dominant as instruments were usually used for accompaniment

4. Medieval Period: The Music
Music as Entertainment
Most musicians were property of their king or country’s ruler
Most secular music of the time was composed and performed as a means of cultural influence by the king or ruler to impress their subjects and visiting dignitaries
Much of the “royal” music was for dance
Composers had very little expressive freedom

5. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Bagpipes
Believed to be developed by herdsmen

6. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Dulcimer
From the Greek dulce melos: sweet sound
A stringed instrument either plucked or played with spoon like hammers

7. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Gemshorn
From the flute family
Made from an ox horn

8. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Harp
Most ancient stringed instrument

9. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Shawm
Predecessor to the modern oboe
Uses an internal cain reed

10. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Hurdy-Gurdy
Hand crank stringed instrument
Change notes by pushing keys

11. Medieval Period: The Instruments
Percussion
Drums are the earliest of instruments

12. Medieval Period: The Composers
Pope Gregory
Created the plainchant, later named the “Gregorian Chant”

13. Medieval Period: The Composers
Hildegard von Bingen
Ordo Virtutum (Play of Virtues)
A play of 16 virtues versus evil
Each of the 16 virtues is represented by a different voice in
plainchant style - monophonic

14. Medieval Period: The Composers
Alfonso el Sabio: King of Castile & Leon
“He Who Gladly Serves”
Percussion and Wind Instruments

15. Medieval Period: The Composers
Francesco Landini
“Behold Spring”
Polyphonic