MUS 351 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Magnus Liber, Discant, Melisma
Document Summary
Prelude: europe experienced numerous economic and political changes during the thirteenth century. Spain fought to liberate itself from muslim conquerors. The first crusade (1095 99) united christians throughout europe. Europe enjoyed a cultural revival: scholars translated greek and arabic works into latin, places of learning, including universities, were established, several outstanding scholars sought to reconcile classical (greek) philosophy with christian doctrine in their work. Large church buildings were erected: romanesque style in the eleventh and early twelfth centuries. Round arches in the style of the roman basilica. Frescoes and sculptures decorated the buildings: gothic style in the mid-twelfth century onward. Polyphony: polyphony occurs when voices sing together on independent parts, polyphony was initially a decoration of chant, similar to the decorations on manuscripts and cathedrals, purposes. 19th century organum: described in musica enchiriadis, parallel organum. Duplication of a chant melody (principal voice) in parallel motion at the fifth below by the organal voice.
