Medieval Music (500-1450)
Secular Music:
The word ‘secular’ describes music that was not written for the
church, music that ordinary people sung at home or working in the
fields, and danced to at parties or feasts. In the medieval period,
there were musicians called troubadours who were royal poets,
composers and performers. There were also jongleurs who were
skilled at dancing, conjuring, acrobatics, juggling, singing, and
storytelling. The jongleurs also performed the songs composed by
the troubadours!
Very little secular music has been preserved, but there are a few things we know about it…
1) It had single note notation (only one line of written music – no bass line or chords)
2) It had no accompaniment
(Another word for this is monophonic)
3) It normally had three or six beats in a bar
(Like the song Greensleeves)
4) Medieval musicians were expected to improvise, changing the music every time they played
it.
5) It was written in the language spoken by the people
(English, French, Spanish, Klingon…)
Medieval instruments:
Shawms,
Hornpipes,
Trumpets,
Gemshorns,
Gurdies,
Medieval Harp, Lyre,
Portative Organ,
Rauschpfeifen, Medieval Bagpipes,
Crumhorns, Rackett, Medieval
Cowhorns, Cornett, Recorders, Flutes,
Medieval Fiddle, Rebec, HurdyOrganistrum, Tromba Marina,
Psaltery, Cittern, Mediaeval Lute,
Bells, Dulcimer, Nakers, Tabors
See: http://www.music.iastate.edu/antiqua/instrumt.html for homework!
Sacred Music:
Sacred music is religious music. Most of the sacred music composed
during the medieval period was written for the Catholic Church. It
was written and sung in Latin by male monks.
Because manuscripts were expensive, musicians would gather round a
single book to sing.
Gregorian Chant:
Gregorian Chant is also known as plainsong or plainchant. It takes its name from Pope St. Gregory
the Great who started the tradition. The words were taken from the bible and often sung on one
note!
Singers would perform without any accompaniment (a cappella).
Music Notation:
The way we write music today (crotchets and quavers) has evolved from Medieval notation.
Have a look at this manuscript and see if you can spot
any similarities to modern written music…
Random Facts:
The gold coloured bits on the manuscript are actually
gold leaf… real gold!
The manuscripts were originally made from the skin of
animals, stretched really thin.
The picture is actually a letter ‘A’ and is the first
letter of the first word.
Polyphonic Music
Polyphonic music has two or more melodies (tunes)
playing at the same time. This style of music was
created towards the end of the medieval period.
Tasks:
1) Read through the introduction to ‘Medieval Music’
2) Create 10 questions about medieval music (in a new word document) using the information
you have read.
3) Using your school email, send a partner your questions, and get them to find the answers.
They should send you their questions to complete.
4) Design an information sheet for year 6 pupils, introducing them to medieval instruments and
music.
5) Using the basic rhythms we have looked at in class compose a simple 4/4 rhythm. You will
need to do this on paper. Your rhythm should be 4 bars long. Use the example to help you.
Beat

Name
Quavers ( Quick Quick)
Time
½ + ½ = 1 beat
Crotchets (Slow)
1 beat
Minim
2 beats
Semibreve
4 beats
6) Try and clap your rhythm. Then try and add notes to your rhythm. Use the notes DEFGABC.
Can you play it on the virtual keyboard? (See Below)
7) With headphones, you may attempt to play ‘Salva Nos’ on the Virtual Keyboard on Glan Afan
Music Website. http://www.glanafanmusic.com/news/4587232995. You can use the mouse
to click the keyboard or the
computer keyboard. The middle line
of the computer keyboard controls
the music keyboard. (ASDFGHJKL)