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Compare and contrast medieval and renaissance music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart vs Ludwig van Beethoven
Music during the Renaissance period
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Summary Paper Throughout this semester we have discussed an array of musical periods ranging from the Middle Ages and Renaissance to more recent modern times. As music progressed through time certain concepts such as melody, harmony, and texture changed along with the introduction of different instruments. In the early phases of music it was more directed toward religious ceremonies, but as time went on it became integrated into everyday life. Even though musical dynamics seem to change as the years go on, it has never failed to create some form of emotional response such as laughter or sadness. The first period discussed in class was the Medieval and Renaissance period. The middle ages unknowingly prepared the world for the great advances in scientific ideas along with the innovational ideas related to music that would occur in the Renaissance Period. The most well known composers of this medieval era consisted of Hildegard and Machaut. Both of these musical artists used small conjunct melodies with nonmetric or triple meters. However, the static harmony greatly contributed to the chants that made medieval period truly memorable. The Second Period we discussed was the Baroque era. This era …show more content…
It consisted of some the greatest composers the world has ever seen, such as Ludwig Van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Both of these astonishing composers were considered child prodigies at young age along with receiving a great amount of influence from Franz Joseph Hayden. However, the variety of music they played differentiated in certain way such as how Beethoven’s pieces seem to have vastly different pitches that seemed to create a dramatic tension. Mozart’s musical creations were immensely different since it created an emotional sensation of calmness and peace. He also greatly appreciated the piano, which he managed to use in a majority of his
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart baptized as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart lived from January 27, 1756 to December 5, 1791. Mozart was a very influential and prolific composer of more than 600 works, including symphonies, concertante, chamber, piano, opera, and choral music. Regarded as a child prodigy, Mozart composed and performed in the European courts from the age of five, and was engaged at the Salzburg court at 17. Mozart’s musical style can be classified as Classical, although he learned from many of his contemporaries throughout his musical career. In order to better understand Mozart’s genius it is best to begin looking at his earliest contributions to the musical world as a child. From there, an exploration of his composition work in the employ of various patrons gives a more rounded picture of the development of Mozart’s musical style. Mozart is one of the most enduring composers, with his work continuing to resonate with modern audiences.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven are two of the greatest composers ever to write music. Both men lived in the early 18th and 19th century, but their music and influences are still felt today. The men faced similar experiences, yet they both lead very different lives. All together the pieces that these men composed amounts to over 300 published, and unpublished works of art. The people of their time period often had mixed feelings about these men, some “complained that Mozart’s music presented them with too many ideas and that his melodies moved from one to the next faster than audiences could follow, yet the ideas themselves seem effortless and natural, clear and unforced.” (Bonds 210-211) Beethoven’s criticisms ranged from ‘genius’ to grim dislike. Mozart and Beethoven were influenced by things going on around them such as: love, nature, and the Enlightenment.
In conclusion towards the arguments and observations, musical expression consists in presenting emotion characteristics in appearance. It turns out people listen to music as having a purposeful nature and that it has an effect on psychological emotions. If there is a case in which music showing emotional qualities with no reference to feelings, there is a case of happy music that is not powerful of happiness.
Western Music has developed in many ways since the middle ages through its form, sound, and message. Throughout these different periods in western music one thing has remained constant, the true essence of music, a way to communicate with someone on a much more divine level than be by rudimentary conversation. Though Ludwig Van Beethoven and Paul McCartney may seem completely opposite they have one in common through their music they changed the world’s perception of its self
Gregorian chant is recognized by its calm, ethereal sound. The magical sound comes from the unfamiliar church modes. It as little sense of beat and was often improvised, producing an uncertain and floating rhythm. The melody could be simple or elaborate based on the importance of text the chant is set to (Book). Gregorian chant was passed through oral tradition and only began notating to ensure musical uniformity. Neither dynamic markings nor instrument indication appear on the notations that have been preserved, so little is known about how the music actually sounded. Occasionally, the vocalized melody was accompanied by a drone, which consists of one or more long, sustained notes at the interval of a perfect fifth (Sherrane).
"Music is a common experience and a large part of societies. In fact, anthropologists note that all human communities at all times and in all places, have engaged in musical behaviours. Music as a mode of human activity is a cultural phenomenon constituting a fundamental social entity as humans create music and create their relationship to music. As cultural phenomeno...
What would the world be like without music? The world would be a very silent place. Music is in many ways the material of our lives and the meaning of society. It is a reminder of how things were in the old days, a suggestion of how things are, and a view of where society is leading to. Music is the direct reflection of the picture of art, music, and literature. Music can be a way to deliver messages, being poetic, a fine art, or it can just be for entertainment. No matter what it is used for, music is the perfect art there is and there are various types of music; such as classical and romantic. This paper will discuss how classical music and romantic music had a turning point in humanity’s social or cultural development, and how they have
Music throughout the ages has changed dramatically. Starting in the Medieval period, from 400-1475, music was in the form of what is called the Gregorian chant. Instruments were very rarely used at this time. Since songs during this period were either troubadour or trouvere these chants had no real harmony. One example of this type of medieval composition is “Viderunt Omnes” by Leoninus. Like most Gregorian chants the texture of this piece is monophonic and polyphonic. “Viderunt Omnes” is a typical Gregorian chant in that it uses diatonic, not chromatic notes of the scale. Musical compositions during the Medieval period was made mostly by members of the church for the church. It was and is a very slow and steady movement that was meant to create a feeling of peace for worship purposes.
Mozart was talented in music from an early age at three he was picking out chords on the harpsichord, at four playing short pieces, at five composing. Before he was six, his father took him and his sister , to Munich to play at the Bavarian court, and a few months later they went to Vienna and were heard at the imperial court and in noble houses. At the age of seven, he picked up a violin at a musical gathering and sight-read the second part of a work with complete accuracy, despite his never having had a violin lesson.In the years 1763-1766 Leopold obtained a leave of absence from his position and the family set out on...
The Renaissance period of history occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries. Renaissance in its basic definition means rebirth. According to Merriam Webster, renaissance formally means, “a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary). Renaissance is the title given to the period of great change in music and art. The Renaissance period ushered in a culture of music that the public could enjoy. Most importantly it was a period that encouraged musicians and composers to create music and take risks with voices, instruments and notes.
Mozart had a child’s heart. The reason that he looked like a child because his father always over-cares about him: never let him travel alone and deny his dream in Salzburg. (Head, 1999) Moreover, Mozart loved making jokes and he could not form relationships with adults. On the contrary, Beethoven had a very strong personality, which means he was independent, and he was quite difficult to get along with. He has his own faith, and he believed in God: No one should bother him. (Bennett, 1878)
Music in the Renaissance differed from medieval music because Renaissance music tended to be more complex and polyphonic, while medieval music was often monophonic with one melody. Most music in the medieval era was written for religious services because the catholic church prohibited any other music. With the rise of the renaissance era, music was used for many other reasons. Composers created complex music by using notation and musical forms. During the medieval era, music often contained one tone and one or no instruments. Instruments were more widely accepted in music during the Renaissance.
Today, around the world, music creates an impact on our culture and history. Specifically, in the Middle Ages, music was used in such a way, that society grew around it. Many things have changed about this subject, including instruments, vocals, and style, but the impact that still reaches our society today remains the same.
Although instruments are not necessary for music, what would it be like if they didn’t exist? What would western music be without the likes of the piano, violin, horn, or organ? The evolution of instruments has helped shape what we know as western music. Without each step in this process being taken things could have come very differently. This paper serves as a type of time-line that relates how this progression of instruments had an impact on historical western music.
The Middle Ages, also known as Medieval Era, was a period in history dating back to 476 CE through the early fifteenth century. During this period the church was viewed as a dominating force that led intellectual and cultural life. As emphasis on the church and religion grew, many aspects of everyday life were influenced and shaped towards a more spiritual ideal. Therefore, music began to reflect the practices and teachings of the church in attempt to inspire worshippers and encourage praise; singing the church texts did this. Although music provided other entertainment and secular values, its main purpose was a sacred and religious one. Mass was seen as the most important church service of the day with intentions of teaching the difference between good and evil. In order to maintain this sense of morality, music incorporated the church teachings into its text as a way to keep religious practices lively and increase worship participation during church.