Evolution of Western Music: From Gregorian Chant to Romantic Opera

Evolution of Western Music

A brief overview of key periods in Western music:

• The Middle Ages: V-XV Centuries
• The Renaissance: XV-XVI Centuries
• Baroque: 1600-1780
• Classicism: 1780-1800
• Romanticism: XIX Century
• Contemporary Music: XX Century

Gregorian Chant

Gregorian chant is not primarily intended as artistic expression. Instead, it serves the specific function of enhancing the spoken word. It is a cappella vocal music without instruments, monophonic (consisting of a single melody), and its rhythm depends on the length of words and phrases. The text is typically in Latin.

Polyphonic Music

Polyphonic music features two or more melodies sounding simultaneously, often referred to as Organum.

Madrigals

Madrigals are short polyphonic works of increasing complexity, often employing canon techniques. They are characterized by a close relationship between music and text, aiming to express the same emotion.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental music highlights the importance of timbre in the overall effect of a piece. Composers clearly specify the instruments required in the score.

The Orchestra

The orchestra is an organized and structured ensemble of instruments from various families.

Virtuosity

Virtuosity refers to the exceptional technical skill of a singer or instrumentalist.

The Baroque Concert

The concert is a typical instrumental form of the Baroque period. It consists of several movements (3 or 4) in which a solo instrument or group of instruments dialogues with the full orchestra.

Opera

Opera is a staged play with recited and sung parts. It was initially intended for a closed circle of aristocrats who favored heroic and mythological themes.

Sonata Form

A sonata typically has three main sections:

1. Exposition: Two musical ideas are presented.
2. Development: The composer explores these themes, developing their possibilities and creating musical tension.
3. Recapitulation: The tension is resolved. The two themes from the exposition reappear, often with slight variations.

Sonata Types

• Sonata: Performed by one or two soloists.
• Quartet: Performed by a string quartet.
• Symphony: Performed by an orchestra.
• Concerto: Performed by an orchestra and a soloist.

Operatic Schools During Romanticism

• Italian Opera: Often features characters from everyday life and focuses on romantic relationships, often with comedic elements.
• German Opera: Tends to be more serious, featuring legendary figures, often drawn from mythology, and explores profound philosophical themes.