Western Art Music: Origins and Evolution

An Art in Permanent Change

The origins of Western art music are sought in the Middle Ages. This era was dominated by a strong religious influence. As a result, most of the music we preserve from this period consists of medieval religious manifestations, although secular music was also present.

Early Music Periods

We refer to ancient music as the production that extends from the Middle Ages until well into the eighteenth century. We can distinguish several periods:

• Medieval (up to the fourteenth century)
• Renaissance (15th and 16th centuries)
• Baroque (17th and 18th centuries)

Most composers during this time devoted themselves to religious music. One of the most significant composers was Johann Sebastian Bach. The influence of his music extends to our days.

The Sistine Chapel's Musical Legacy

In the fifteenth century, Pope Sixtus IV had a large room built at the Vatican for his musicians. He contracted the best painter of the era, Michelangelo Buonarroti, to decorate it. The Sistine Chapel became a very important place for religious music.

Prayer and Song: Medieval Church Music

Throughout the Middle Ages, musical practice almost always revolved around the church environment. The early medieval documents preserved are, in part, intended to be sung at Mass and other prayers. These manuscripts contain a repertoire of what we now know as Gregorian chant (the official chant of the Catholic Church). Its characteristics are:

• It is a religious monodic singing, played in unison.
• Texts are in Latin, almost always derived from the Bible.
• It is sung a cappella, meaning without instrumental accompaniment.

Songs of Chivalrous Love: The Troubadours

We know that during the Middle Ages, there was also monodic secular chant. Its creators were the troubadours. Many of their compositions were love songs in which the troubadour paid homage to a lady. These musicians were itinerant minstrels who, besides singing and playing instruments, told stories and amused people with their jokes and juggling.

Alfonso X of Castile: The Wise King and Music

Alfonso X of Castile (1221-1284) has gone down in history nicknamed 'the Wise' because of his interest in culture, and especially in music. He is known for his Cantigas (monodic songs which, according to their text content, can be secular or religious).