Medieval Music History: Instrumental Forms and the Development of Polyphony

Instrumental Music in the Middle Ages

Instrumental music begins to develop its own identity alongside dance in the Middle Ages. In the early years, instrumental music was viewed with suspicion by the Churches because it was often used in pagan cults.

Instruments were used to call villagers to harvest, for war, hunting, and processions. Over time, horn instruments reached Europe from Asia via two main routes: Byzantium and Spain.

Instrumental music was not formally written down until the arrival of the Renaissance. The dance practices of the era help us discover the original instrumental music.

Medieval Musical Instruments

Instruments were generally categorized by type:

• String: Harp, rebec (or rabe)
• Wind: Flageolet, flute
• Percussion: Drum (or tambourine), cymbals

Starting in the 14th century, instruments were often divided into two functional categories: high (loud, suitable for outdoors) and low (soft, suitable for indoors).

The Rise of Polyphony

Humanity did not know the possibility of singing two different musical lines simultaneously until around 800 AD. This invention is what we call polyphony.

Characteristics and Periods

The term polyphony derives from the Greek word for “many voices.” Unlike linear music, polyphony involves several voices sounding simultaneously, introducing a vertical conception of music.

Polyphony is the simultaneous song for several voices. It arose when a second voice was added to the Gregorian chant. The Church accepted this development as a way to enrich and decorate the liturgical or Gregorian chant.

Two main periods are distinguished:

• Ars Antiqua (9th to 13th centuries)
• Ars Nova (14th century)

Early Polyphonic Forms

Organum

The earliest polyphonic form, the Organum, consists of adding a second voice to a Gregorian melody (called the cantus firmus or main voice). This second voice is typically added at a distance of a fourth or a fifth from the original voice.

Measured Organum and Clausulae

• Measured Organum: Occurs when at least one voice is subject to a measured pace or rhythm. This form could involve up to three voices.
• Clausulae: Occur when both parts are subject to a measured pace.

Motet

The Motet is a vocal form where singing voices, each with a different text and distinct rhythm, sound simultaneously. It was a great invention of the School of Paris.

The School of Paris

The School of Paris was instrumental in inventing polyphonic systems. Two musicians of great relevance emerged during this period, associated with the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral:

• Magister Leoninus (Léonin)
• Magister Perotinus (Pérotin)

Ars Nova: 14th Century Perfection

Medieval polyphony reached its most perfect form in the 14th century with the Ars Nova (New Art). This period introduced new elements into music, such as a greater sense of rhythmic complexity and even elements of sensual joy.

Guillaume de Machaut (1300–1377) is the most important musician of this era. He composed decisive religious works, such as his famous Mass of Notre Dame.

In Spain, the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat summarizes national contributions, collecting songs of pilgrims from the period.