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Definition
Scale patterns distinguished by their own unique order of tones and semitones
Used in the music of Ancient Greece
Served as the source for melodies in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Generally referred to by their original Greek names (Dorian, Phrygian, etc) |
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Definition
• The earliest form of notation in Western art music
• Small notational symbols – originally indicating the direction of the melodic line
• Later in the shape of squares or diamonds positioned on a staff and representing specific pitches |
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Term
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Definition
• “mono” means 1
• Music consisting of a single line of melody (referred to as a “voice”)
• No harmony or accompaniment |
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Definition
• “Poly” means many
• Two or more independent melodic lines (or voices) heard simultaneously
• Referred to as contrapuntal texture |
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Definition
• Latin for “in the chapel”
• Vocal music without instrumental accompaniment
• Characteristic feature of music in Middle Ages and Renaissance |
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Term
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Definition
• Leader of Roman Catholic Church (590-604)
• Not the composer of the chants
• Helped organize and codify the chants that had accumulated;led to the establishment of a uniform liturgical service
• Oversaw the expansion of schools to train singers in performance of sacred repertoire (schola cantorum) |
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Term
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Definition
• “Plainsong”
• Roots in Judaic tradition
• Monophonic texture
• Modal melodies
• Relatively narrow melodic range
• Unmeasured prose rhythm |
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Definition
• A form of plainchant
• Modal, monophonic melodies with unmeasured rhythm
• Named after Pope Gregory the Great, who is associated with organizing the chant repertory and standardizing liturgy
• Sacred, liturgical music of Roman Catholic Church
• Latin texts |
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Definition
• One note for each syllable of text
• Text can be heard very clearly |
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Definition
| • Several notes (two to four) for each syllable of text |
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Definition
• Many notes for each syllable of text
• The most elaborate and florid form of text setting |
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Definition
• A method of performance
• Solo voice alternates with chorus
• Solo passages referred to as “verse”
• Choral passages referred to as “respond” |
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Term
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Definition
• The fourth section of the Mass Proper (Variable texts)
• Texts of the Gradual derive primarily from the Psalms (poetic texts from the Old Testament)
• Chants sung during this portion of the Mass were generally melismatic and performed in a responsorial style |
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Term
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Definition
• Latin for “Book of Common Use”
• A late 19th century book with almost 2000 pages containing many settings of the ordinary and the most frequently used texts and chants for specific rituals including baptism, matrimony, ordination and funeral rites
• Prepared by the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of Solesmes (France) |
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