Renaissance 1450 - 1600

Mrs. Keating Grade 9 Fine Arts

HISTORICAL THEMES

A Rebirth of Classical Learning

The rediscovery and reevaluation of writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans suggested a "rebirth".

HISTORICAL THEMES

The gradual change from the feudal system to the modern system

The hierarchical (top to bottom) state, led by either the rich or nobility, replaced the feudal system of the Middle Ages.

HISTORICAL THEMES

A change in the views of the earth and the cosmos

Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan expanded Europe's view of the world through exploration. The astronomical studies of Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei called into question the old earth-centered view of the universe.

The Arts

Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel. 

William Shakespeare was writing his famous plays. 

One of the most famous persons from the Renaissance was Leonardo da Vinci.  He was known as a Renaissance man because he could do many things well.  He was a painter, architect, inventor, scientist, poet, musician, and teacher. 

MUSICAL CONTEXT

Increased Interest in Humanist Learning

The arts became an important measure of learning and culture.

Music moved from the science of number to an expressive art.

The printing press was invented increasing access to music and books about music.

MUSICAL CONTEXT

Increased Patronage of Music

The rich courts and civic governments wanted musicians for themselves

Musical support was also provided by the religious institutions of the day.

MUSICAL CONTEXT

Territorial Expansion and Increased Wealth

As a result of colonial expansion, great wealth flowed into European cities and courts.

Travel and the resulting musical exchange became a driving force for the creation of a more international musical style.

MUSICAL STYLE

Sacred music: the motet (four part music and up to 12 parts) and Mass. Motet

Secular music: Composers created new forms such as the Italian madrigal and the French chanson.

Instrumental music: The rise of music printing encouraged the spread of instrumental music for amateurs, and more specific types emerged. Music Example with period costume

MUSICAL STYLE

All three types of music share

many musical features

The use of four-voice choirs or groups of like-sounding instruments (consorts)

Imitative or homophonic (chordal) textures

Smooth, gentle rhythms. Melodies with balanced

phrases. Vocal forms tied to text.

GIOVANNI PIERLUIGI DA PALESTRINA

Born: c.1525. Palestrina, ItalyDied: February 2, 1594. Rome, Italy

Italian composer of sacred music. Active in Rome through most of his career.

Did Palestrina save church music? This is the legend repeated by various authors. According to this myth, the members of the Council of Trent were poised on the brink of banning polyphonic music in the church. It was only after hearing a piece by Palestrina that they relented.

Sanctus

CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI

Born: May 15, 1567. Cremona, ItalyDied: November 29, 1643. Venice, Italy

Italian composer. Leading composer of the late Renaissance and Early Baroque, and the first great composer of operas.

CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI

He published his first pieces, a collection of three-voice motets, at the age of fifteen.

In 1607 he produced his first work in the new genre of opera, his setting of Orfeo.

In 1613, he was appointed maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice. He remained in Venice for the rest of his life.

Orfeo with Renaissance Instruments