Music of the Renaissance

Transcription

1 Part One: Listening Reflection As you hear this sample of music from the Renaissance, answer the questions below. Be prepared to share out! 1. What does this music make you think of? Why? 2. What instruments/voices do you hear? 3. How is it similar to music you listen to today? 4. How is it different than music you listen to today? 5. If you could describe this music with 3 words, what would they be and why?

2 Part Two: Renaissance Review Let s take some time to review some important information about the Renaissance! WHAT WAS REBORN? WHAT WAS THE RENAISSANCE? WHY DOES THIS TIME PERIOD MATTER?

3 Part Three: Summarizing Music of the Time As you read using the information on the next two pages, complete this graphic organizer. Answers should be in your own words (don t copy and paste from the reading) and can include emojis too! You should try to include 3-4 pieces of information that summarizes what you ve read about for each section! RENAISSANCE CHOIRS INSTRUMENTS COMPOSERS MUSIC AND DANCING INTERESTING FACTS After you read: -How is Renaissance music SIMILAR to music today? -How is Renaissance music DIFFERENT to today s?

4 During the Renaissance one of the main forms of entertainment was music and dance. Music became a part of everyday life as people began to play music and sing for enjoyment. They experimented with new types of instruments and combinations of voices. Music was both an art form and a form of entertainment. Choirs Some of the great music of the Renaissance was sung in churches in large choirs. One new style of music was to interweave several different vocal melodies at the same time. This type of music was called polyphony and became popular in choirs. Madrigal Another popular form of vocal music was the madrigal. The madrigal usually had between three and six singers, but could have more. The madrigal also had several melodies that were sung at the same time by different voices. The songs were often romantic poems and sung with emotion. Instruments A number of new and improved instruments were developed during the Renaissance. Perhaps the most famous is the violin which was first made in Italy in the 1500s. Other popular instruments included horns such as the early trumpet and the cornett, stringed instruments such as the lyre and the hurdy gurdy, and woodwind instruments such as the bagpipe and the recorder. Harpsichord - This instrument looks like piano with keys, but when a key is played a string is plucked rather than hit (like with a piano). Hurdy gurdy - A stringed instrument similar to a violin, where melodies are played on a small keyboard and a crank-turned wheel rubs against the strings to make the tone. Lute - A stringed instrument similar to a guitar with a round back. The strings were plucked to make the notes. Composers There are many famous composers from the Renaissance. They were able to use the printing press for their music allowing an even wider audience. Some of the most famous composers include William Byrd, Josquin Des Prez, and Thomas Tallis. The first dramatic opera was written by Claudio Monteverdi in 1607.

5 Dancing There were two main types of dances during the Renaissance: court dances and country dances. Court dances were formal dances performed by trained dancers. Country dances were dances where anyone could participate. Each dance had specific steps and movements. Here are few examples of Renaissance dance steps: Reverence - This was a "greeting" step where the dancers would face each other. They would then slide the left foot back and bend both knees to bow to the other dancer. Saltarello - This is a lively dance step where the dancer would take three steps forward and then hop. Pavane - A slow "walking" dance that gave the dancers a chance to show off their fancy clothes and gowns. It was usually the first dance of the night. Italian Double or Doppio - A step where the dancers would take two elegant steps forward and then rise up on their toes. Interesting Facts about Renaissance Music and Dance Most public celebrations and shows were accompanied by music and dance. In general, instrumental music was considered less important than singing music. Two popular types of Renaissance vocal music that preceded the madrigal were the frottola in Italy and the chanson in France. Sometimes percussion instruments were added to the music including drums and tambourines. The ballet was first introduced during the Italian Renaissance courts of the nobles. It moved to France and became very popular when Catherine De Medici became queen.

6 Part Four: Renaissance Music Postcard Pretend you are writing a postcard to a loved one. They don t know anything about Renaissance music! It s your job to tell them all about it! On the front of your postcard, draw a picture that represents the Renaissance time period. On the back of the postcard, write a short left that explains at least 4 facts about Renaissance music and explains to your reader why music in the Renaissance was important! Front: Back: Dear, Sincerely,