-
Period: 500 to 1400
Medieval Period
The earliest form of recorded and important classical music in Western music history. Containing the famous Gregorian chant, madrigals, motets, monophony, and early forms of music notation, all inside of the Catholic Church. Instruments most commonly used include the lute, vielle, and harp, which were used to accompany vocals. -
1026
Guido of Arezzo's "Micrologus"
A treatise on Medieval music that was widely used for musical instruction on singing, performing, and notation as well. Guido of Arezzo placed pitches on lines and spaces giving us the staff we have today. -
Period: 1098 to 1179
Hildegard of Bingen
One of the earliest known female composers, who was known for her profound visions. These visions inspired writing and compositions which contained great symbolic representations of theological ideas as well as natural phenomena. She was a respected advisor to popes and royalty as well. -
1320
Ars Nova Treatise
A treatise written by Phillippe de Vitry that had many musical notation breakthroughs, famously including the acceptance of duple meter and allowing for more complex rhythms and phrasing. This treatise triggered the Ars Nova (New Art) Period lasting up to the year 1375. This included controversy because non religious music flourished in a way. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance Period
A rise in polyphony, text expression, and acceptance of blending secular and sacred techniques. Music flourished ten fold in this period compared to the previous Ars Nova period, which many consider a springboard for the Renaissance. -
1529
Martin Luther - Chorale Ein feste burg
A Lutheran chorale written by Martin Luther that helped establish chorales in the Protestant church. It is said this piece inspired some of Bach's early works. -
1544
Arcadelt Madrigal Il bianco e dolce cigno
Italian Madrigal for four voices, composed by Arcadelt and published in Venice in 1544. Its importance was its beauty and how it used medieval and early Renaissance styles and techniques. -
1567
Palestrina Pope Marcellus Mass
A six voice mass sine nomine by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This piece convinced the Council of Trent that complex polyphony could still have textural clarity, which saved polyphony and allowed it to be played in the Catholic church. -
Victoria Missa O magnum mysterium
A mass written by Tomas Luis de Victoria that is a parody of a previous piece of the same name. This piece is known for its mystical beauty and rich polyphony.