Musica Ficta: a set of rules governing the use of chromatic
alterations to notes
at cadences: to create a leading tone
to avoid melodic or harmonic tritones (Diabolus in Musica)
aesthetic pleasure: use accidentals because the music "sounds
good"
practice continued to be found in manuscripts until about 1450
Instrumental Music of Middle Ages
Instruments used with voice and without voice (purely inst. compositions)
Music without singers was often for dancing or outdoor occasions: had
loud and soft ensembles
First clavier type instruments appear in 14th century; organ had been
in use for a long time, but is enlarged at this time
Fifteenth Century Developments
England: had polyphony from at least 12th century; notation
from before 1100
fauxbourdon: like organum but with 3 voices and using 3rds and
6ths, not 4ths and 5ths
examples in Old Hall Manuscript (ca. 1450): mass movements and
motets in 2 to 4 voices, using fauxbourdon, sometimes full triads
John Dunstable (1385-1453) most famous English composer from 15th century,
travelled to France with employer, brought fauxbourdon to Burgundy
Burgundian School: home of Dukes of Burgundy, important center
of culture
Guillaume Dufay (ca. 1400-1474) was most famous composer.
Chanson: most characteristic composition, secular vocal work
where only top part is sung, other parts played on instruments. Instrumental
writing is idiomatic, there are sections where instruments play alone (without
voice)