Medieval Music: Chants, Notation, and Performers

Early Medieval Music Notation

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, texts were not written down but transmitted orally. Eventually, the volume and complexity of these texts became so great that they began to be copied, with indications of how they were to be sung.

This led to the use of chants. However, it was a very imperfect system. First, Hucbald and, later, Guido d'Arezzo, used parallel lines to place musical symbols.

Centuries later, these chants were notated with clearer, square signs. This square notation, along the lines of the musical staff, served to indicate the pitch of sounds.

Troubadours and Minstrels

The troubadours were poets, musicians, and courtiers who held great importance during the Middle Ages, especially in France and Spain. Their art originated from popular traditions, akin to folk poetry. The main theme of their poems and songs was chivalric love. The troubadour paid homage to his beloved lady of higher social status, often married, whom he loved platonically. This figure, which emerged in the late eleventh century, primarily used the language of Provence.

Troubadours also emerged in northern France, where they composed their songs in another language: the Langue d'Oïl, which later gave birth to modern French. Minstrels, who developed their activity from the twelfth century, took over from the troubadours. Their predecessors performed in courts; with the rise of cities, minstrels became linked to the bourgeoisie and established guilds. Adam de la Halle (1240-1287) is known for many compositions.

Troubadours and minstrels enjoyed great prestige, to the point that some were even noblemen or kings themselves, like Richard Coeur de Lion and Alfonso X the Wise.

The Origins of Gregorian Chant

It is believed that early Christian songs were born in the image and likeness of those sung by Jews in their synagogues.

As the Church spread throughout the huge territory of the former Roman Empire, songs were sung in a different way in each place. Unification was necessary, especially for the psalms. This work was carried out by Pope Gregory the Great, which is why this type of song is called Gregorian chant.