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Period: 476 to 1376
Medieval Period
The Medieval period marks the early development of Western music, with the rise of plainchant, early polyphony, and music theory. -
1025
Guido of Arezzo’s Micrologus
A major music theory treatise introducing staff notation, solmization (do-re-mi), and early ideas about teaching sight singing -
Period: 1098 to 1179
Hildegard of Bingen
A German abbess, composer, and writer. She created sacred music full of vivid imagery and wrote the musical drama Ordo Virtutum. -
1320
Ars Nova Treatise
A key document that introduced new rhythmic notation, allowing for greater complexity. It marked a shift from earlier, simpler styles. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance Period
The Renaissance period saw the flowering of polyphony, greater use of text expression, and the spread of printed music. -
1529
Martin Luther Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
A powerful hymn of the Reformation that became a symbol of Protestant faith. Its strong melody made it easy for congregations to sing. -
1538
Arcadelt Il bianco e dolce cigno
One of the most famous early madrigals. It combines smooth homophony with gentle imitation to enhance the poetic text. -
1567
Palestrina Pope Marcellus Mass
A mass that, according to legend, showed that clear polyphony could meet the Catholic Church’s needs for text clarity after the Council of Trent. -
Victoria Missa O magnum mysterium
A beautifully expressive mass based on Victoria’s own motet, known for its rich harmonies and deep spiritual feeling.