Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
Schools Division Office of Quezon City
NOVALICHES HIGH SCHOOL
Lakandula St. T.S. Cruz Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City

Quarter 1, Day 3, Lesson 3

MUSIC 9

Name of Learner: _____________________________ Grade Level: Grade 9

Section: ___________________________ Date: September 13, 2020

LEARNER’S ACTIVITY SHEET

Musical Styles of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Period

Background Information for Learners

The first three periods of Western Music History are classified as Medieval, Renaissance,
and Baroque. Each period has its distinctive characteristics, historical and cultural background.

1. Medieval Era (450 – 1450)

The Medieval period is also known as the Middle Ages that started in 450 to 1450. It is
also called the Dark Ages prior to the fall of the Roman Empire, and followed by migrations,
upheavals and wars.
During that time, the Catholic Church influenced Europe’s culture and political affairs.
Sacred music (also known as religious music) was the only acceptable music for performance.
Secular music and arts were considered as heresy and were discouraged to be performed or
displayed in public. The cathedral was the center of musical life. Most of the important
musicians were priests and worked for the church. Monophonic Plainchant, also known as the
Gregorian Chant, was named after Pope Gregory I; and was the official music of the Catholic
Church.

2. Renaissance Period (1450 – 1600)

The 15th and 16th centuries of Europe have come to be known as the Renaissance
(French: meaning “rebirth” or “revival”). It is the period of exploration and adventure. It is also
the period of creativity, humanism and individualism that greatly shaped the arts and sciences.
Interest in Greek and Roman culture influenced the visual arts, literature and other art forms.
The rise of Protestant Reformation led to a revolution in religion; making the Catholic Church
less powerful in politics and religion.
Secular music (non-religious music) gained a lot of interest from the public, replacing the
sacred music of the church. Imitative polyphony (imitative means copying or repeating;
polyphony means many sounds sounding simultaneously) is the distinctive characteristic of
Renaissance music. This resulted to the development of unaccompanied choral music
(choral singing without musical instrument); thus, Renaissance is sometimes known as the
“golden age of a cappella choral music.”

3. Baroque Period (1600 – 1750)

Baroque (Portuguese: meaning irregularly-shaped pearl) is characterized by grand,
bizarre, flamboyant and elaborately ornamented style of sculptures, theaters, arts and music. At
the end of the Renaissance period, political and social power shifted from the Catholic Church to
aristocracy. Thus, the aristocracy became enormously rich and powerful during the 17 th and 18th
century.
Extreme ornamentation was evident both in visual arts and in music. Many aristocrats
displayed their power and riches through the grandeur of their palaces and magnificent courts
for entertainment. They have their own composers, painters, orchestra, and other artists for their
personal entertainment.
 Bel Canto style of singing (bel canto means beautiful song) emphasized a brilliant
rendition of highly ornamented melodies. Other music genres that flourished during the Baroque
Period were the following:
 Concerto - a composition for a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment
 Fugue - a composition based on polyphonic imitation of a short theme called
subject
 Oratorio - a composite vocal work for soloist, choir and orchestra, usually based
on sacred or secular text
 Chorale – a hymn of the Lutheran Church

Learning Competency with Code

Relates Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music to other art forms and its history
within the era (MU9MRB-Ic-f-3)

Directions/Instructions
Describe the three early periods of Western Music using the table below:

MEDIEVAL RENAISSANCE BAROQUE

1. Historical Background 1. Historical Background 1. Historical Background

2. Musical Style/ Characteristics 2. Musical Style/ Characteristics 2. Musical Style/ Characteristics

Exercises/Activities

1. Listen to Antonio Vivaldi’s “Spring: from The Four Seasons”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAi0jabXHFk
2. Draw on a bond paper a scenery that you could imagine while listening to the music.
3. At the back of your artwork, write three (3) words that describe the music

Reflection
Complete the statements below:
1. I learned that…
2. I realized that…

References
Grade 9 – Music Learner’s Material, pages 3-19
Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation- 9th Edition. McGrow-Hill Companies Inc. 2008
Winold, Allen. Elements of Musical Understanding. Prentice-Hall Inc. 1966

Prepared by

LEIRE CHERRYL D. JACUTAN

Name of Writer