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The Medieval Era began during the fall of Rome in 476 A.D. Music during this time could be split into two parts: divine and cosmic. Though most music during this time was written for the church, as the culture highly emphasized Christianity. Modes were also used in church music such as Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and Mixolydian. It was also during this time that we were introduced to chant (chant and Gregorian).
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This man is credited with inventing the staff. Also a music theorist and advocate of using syllables for sight singing (re, mi, fa, sol, la, etc.).
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Hildegard was who we know to be the first female composer. She was the 10th child born to her family dedicated to God. Wrote melodies, morality plays, poetry, books, etc. Was also famous for her prophetic powers and was often sought after by rulers for her council.
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That we know of, Leonin is the first composer of polyphonic music. He is also credited with putting together the Magnus liber organi, a book containing medieval music repertoire used by the Parisian School of Notre Dame. Hence the last sentence, he was also associated with the school of Notre Dame.
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Famous female troubadour (French medieval poet).
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Perotin was a supposed student of Leonin. Was master of discant organum at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
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French composer and writer of poems and melodies. Was a monk at Arras.
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Dunstaple is considered to be in that time period of "moving towards the Renaissance." He was extremely popular during his time. He created a new style of 3rd and 6ths (Think triadic. This later became the Renaissance style). People were impressed with the "English quality" of his music.
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The Renaissance Era is considered the rebirth of the 1430s. One of the major changes during this era was a shift of focus from God to nature and human beings. Other than the shift from religion to man, there were musical changes as well. The emphasis shifted to beauty rather than function. Melodies were placed in the top voice, and more parts were added (4 voices). Some of the available jobs (mostly for men) during this time consisted of teachers, copyists, composer, and singers to name a few.
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Tinctoris was a composer and music theorist. He wrote Diffinitorum musices, the first dictionary of musical terms. Also wrote masses, motets, chansons, etc.
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Isaac was a prolific German composer. Wrote masses, French, German, and Italian songs, and a collection of over 450 chant-based polyphonic motets. He also served as a court composer in Vienna to the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.
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Luther was the founder of the Lutheran church and German composer and theologian of hymns and writings.
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Important English composer and organist. Wrote both for the reformed English Liturgies and the Latin. Wrote: motets, anthems, Psalms, masses, and Lamentations.
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Monte is considered to be the most prolific composer of the Renaissance. He wrote 38 masses, 319 motets, 45 chansons, 144 sacred madrigals, and at least 1038 secular madrigals! A mix of polyphonic and homophonic.
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Palestrina was considered the most famous composer of the Renaissance era. He reformed Catholic church music per request of Trent. Wrote masses, motets, and madrigals.
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Di Lasso was one of the most prolific and versatile composers in the 16th century. Wrote masses, motets, German Lieder, Italian madrigals, and chansons to name a few. He also wrote over 2000 compositions in all languages.
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Italian composer, organist, and teacher. Worked in Venice. He was also the uncle of Giovanni. Wrote masses, Psalms, motets, madrigals, etc.
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Bryd was an English Catholic composer who worked in Protestant England. He was known as the greatest English composer of his time. Wrote masses, anthems, motets, and antiphons.
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Tomas carried on Palestrina's Roman style in Spain. He is considered the greatest Spanish composer during the Renaissance. Wrote masses, hymns, motets, etc.