Early music, in the context of European music from the 10th to 14th centuries, refers to the musical styles and practices that developed during the Medieval period. Here are the key points about early music in this era:
Early music encompasses the sacred and secular music of Western Europe from approximately the 10th to 14th centuries. This period is part of the larger Medieval era, which extends from roughly the 6th to the 15th centuries.
Monophonic Texture: Much of the early music, especially in the earlier part of this period, was monophonic, meaning it consisted of a single melodic line without harmonic accompaniment. Gregorian chant is a prime example of this.
Development of Polyphony: Towards the later part of this period, polyphonic music began to emerge, with multiple melodic lines sung or played simultaneously.
Gregorian Chant: This was the predominant form of sacred music, used in liturgical settings within the Catholic Church.
Organum: An early form of polyphony that developed from Gregorian chant, featuring two or more voices moving in parallel motion.
Troubadours and Trouvères: These were poet-musicians who composed and performed secular songs, often about courtly love.
Instrumental Music: While less documented, instrumental music was likely used for dances and entertainment.
Early in this period, music was primarily transmitted orally.
The development of musical notation systems, such as neumes and later square notation, allowed for more precise recording of melodies.
Music was based on a system of modes, different from the major and minor scales of later periods.
Common instruments included the flute, dulcimer, lyra, recorder, and lute.
Music was closely tied to the Catholic Church, which was the dominant institution in medieval Europe.
Secular music flourished in courts and among the common people, though less of it survives in written form.
The period saw a gradual evolution from simple monophonic chants to more complex polyphonic compositions.
By the 14th century, new styles like the Ars Nova emerged, featuring more rhythmic complexity and secular themes.
Understanding early music of this period is crucial for appreciating the foundations of Western classical music.
It represents the beginnings of many musical concepts and practices that would evolve into the more familiar styles of later periods.