MEDIEVAL MUSIC
Introduction
A medieval band involving a harp, a lute, and a trombone
Music was a major part of everyday life. People would use music to express their emotions. Middle Ages musicians would play all types of music depending on the
situation. At weddings or dances, they would play romantic or slow music called a “Chivaree”. During parties (i.e. after winning a war), they would play
Buoyant or cheerful music that contained a lot of crescendos.
What instuments did they play?
Lute
There
were many different types of instruments played during the Middle ages. Probably the most familiar and
ancient instrument played was the Harp. The Harp is a 20 stringed
instrument that is used in most “Chivaree” songs. Although string instruments weren't the most popular type of instrument, they're used for most types of music. Another instrument is the Gamba. The Gamba is like a 6-stringed cello. It’s sound is used a lot in Polyphonic music (two or melodies played at the same time) due to it’s beautiful sound. It’s sound is sustained and clear with vibrato (a regular, pulsating change of pitch). The most popular instrument in the medieval times was the Bag Pipes. The Bag Pipes was popular because it could be used for most types of songs, when it was made for Buoyant music. Christian music is the most popular type of music. Lutes were very popular instruments as well. Many troubadours carried lutes as they traveled from place to place.
Who was Orlando Gibbons?
Orlando Gibbons
Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) was one of the last great medieval polyphonic figures in England. He grew up in a family known for their music. Gibbons was both a keyboard master and a composer. Toward the end of his life, he also mastered the organ. In 1622, he was given the title of doctor of music and played at the funeral service of King James I. Gibbons married the newly crowned queen, Henrietta Maria, but he died about an hour before her arrival from France. How he died is unknown, he is said to have collapsed during a performance at the Canterbury Cathedral. He was buried there too.
Conclusion
Two men playing the Lute
Most people when they hear "medieval", don't think about good times they think about an unhappy era of hard work, war, and poverty. Music is not something that would cross your mind when you here "medieval". Music, however, was played everyday. From funerals to parties, music was used to express emotion and to cheer people up. Music was played at the darkest of times.