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Medieval Music Overview (Podcast)
The Origins of Early Medieval Music
Music during the early Middle Ages was primarily vocal and deeply connected to the Christian church. Monks and nuns sang in monasteries to praise God throughout the day and night. This early form of music is known as Gregorian chant and it features a single melodic line without any instrumental accompaniment. Most people did not know how to read music because a formal system of notation had not been invented yet. Singers had to memorize hundreds of melodies by heart to perform them during religious services.
The Development of Musical Notation
As the number of church songs grew, it became difficult for singers to remember every melody accurately. Scribes began to place small marks called neumes above the Latin words to indicate if the notes went up or down. Eventually, a monk named Guido of Arezzo developed a system using horizontal lines to show exact pitches. This invention allowed musicians to share music across different countries without hearing it first. It was the beginning of the modern staff system that musicians still use today.
Gregorian Chant and Plainchant
Gregorian chant is the most famous style of music from the medieval period. It is performed in unison, which means everyone sings the exact same note at the same time. The rhythm is very flexible and follows the natural flow of the Latin language instead of a steady beat. These chants were named after Pope Gregory the Great who was believed to have organized the church music. Listeners often find this music very peaceful and calming because it lacks complex harmonies or loud drums.
The Rise of Polyphony
Around the tenth century, musicians began to experiment by adding a second melody to the existing chants. This new style was called polyphony and it represented a major shift in musical history. Instead of everyone singing one line, different singers could now perform different notes at the same time. Composers at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris became famous for creating very complex polyphonic works. This development made music sound much richer and more interesting to the listeners of that era.