voice is still predominant, but instrumental music becomes much more
important than previously
composers start to write instrumental music with specific instruments
in mind
instruments grouped by similar tone quality to achieve homogenous sound:
groups were called chests or consorts
composers made instrumental arrangements of vocal works, e.g.
instrumental arrangement of chanson was canzona.
canzona began as keyboard version of chanson with keyboard ornamentation
added. This eventually led to fugue
also had ensemble canzonas; later leads to sonata
chansons and canzonas tended to have clearly defined sections;
these sections later lengthen in ensemble canzonas until they are
separate movements
Italian Vocal Music: The Madrigal; this is most important vocal
genre of Renaissance
As Renaissance goes on, madrigals become more refined, expressive,
dramatic, poetry quality increases
Through 16th century, textures become more imitative, chromaticism
increases; number of voices increases until 5 are standard
Texts concentrate on love; phrases of poetry set as separate sections
Examples:
Luca Marenzio (c. 1560-99) "The Greatest Italian Madrigalist"
Carlo Gesualdo (c. 1561-1617) "Notorious" madrigalist;
known for extreme chromaticism and dissonance for expressive, dramatic
purposes
Madrigal Comedy: group of madrigals bound by plot or theme;
might be acted out on stage; light entertainment
English Madrigal: derived from Italian sources, esp. Musica
Transalpina, volume of Italian madrigals translated into English,
inspired English composers
Reformation: long-standing disillusionment with Catholic Church
came to a head in early 16th Century
1517: Martin Luther writes 95 Theses, calling
for reforms, is excommunicated soon thereafter
Soon founds his own church with reforms implimented, esp.
portions of service in vernacular
more singing for congregation (get them involved)
They sang Kirchenlieder or Chorales: monophonic melodies (not harmonized
at this time)
Other Protestant Churches
Calvinist based on ideas of John Calvin
re-worked much more of liturgy than Luther had done
distrusted singing in church; limited to psalms only
Anglican (In England): founded more for political reasons than
religious
Anglican service was simplified: fewer parts of mass were set to music;
main musical parts were service (e.g. communion and other portions)
and anthem (like a motet)