medieval

PERFORMING MEDIUM: During the Medieval period, music was primarily vocal. Instruments were
used to accompany vocal lines or to improvise instrumental dances, and very little instrumental
music has survived.

RHYTHM: Rhythm was not notated during much of this period, and traditions regarding the
treatment of sacred text, the meter of the text, and the musical abilities of singers and
instrumentalists often determined the rhythmic complexity and tempo of pieces.

MELODY: Melodic intervals and the range of melodies were generally small during this era
(Hildegard of Bingen was an exception), and sacred melodies were often based on church modes
(modes are notes arranged in a specific scale or pattern of intervals, and were often used to
structure the melody or tonality of a piece).

HARMONY: Harmony and tonality as we know it today were not functional during the Medieval
period. Music appears to have been constructed and heard as separate lines rather than vertical
sonorities. Parallel fifths and octaves were favored, and triads or thirds were considered dissonant.

TEXTURE: Monophonic texture was predominantly used during the first part of this era, and
polyphonic texture began to be used in the mid to late Medieval period. Heterophony may have
been heard in performances.

FORM: Popular genres during this period included the following large forms: sacred vocal music such
as plainchant, conductus, masses, and motets; instrumental estampies; and secular vocal songs.

Renaissance

Music still based on modes, but gradually more accidentals creep in.

Richer texture in four or more parts. Bass part is added below the tenor.

Blending rather than contrasting strands in the musical texture.

Harmony. Greater concern with the flow and progression of chords.

Church music. Some pieces were intended for 'a cappella' performance. Mainly contrapuntal. Lots of
imitation. Some church music was accompanied by instruments - for example poly choral pieces in
antiphonal style (Antiphonal - Questions and Answers, Stereo Effect).

Secular music (none-religious music. Sacred music is to do with the church) There was lots of vocal
pieces and dances, and lots of instrumental pieces (However a lot of the instrumentals were in a
vocal style, but sonic were suited to instruments. Vocal music was by far the more important.)

The characteristic timbres of Renaissance musical instruments - many forming families.

Baroque
The Basso Continuo (Figured Bass).

One mood throughout the entire piece.

Important String sections.

Modes were replaced by the Major/Minor key system.

Many different forms are used (e.g. Binary, Fugue)

Many types of music, e.g. The Chorale, Opera, the Dance Suite.

Energetic rhythms (Exuberance), long melodies, many ornaments, contrasts (especially dynamics,
but also in timbres)