Like many renaissance composers josquin wrote two kinds of music

Fourth Edition

Part 2

The Renaissance ca. 1425–1600

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The Renaissance

Recovery of knowledge lost during the Middle Ages

Humanism: movement that explored human interests and values through science, philosophy, and the arts

Renaissance composers united words and music more than ever before

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Music for Catholics and Protestants

Martin Luther began Reformation in Wittenberg, 1517

Monarchs determined faith and politics of their realm

Protestant composers wrote liturgical music in languages other than Latin

Catholic composers wrote music to inspire the faithful

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Music for Growing Markets

First contact with “New World” in fifteenth century

Demand for music and the arts grew

Ideal “Renaissance man” cultivated knowledge in full range of arts and sciences

Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier recommends learning to sing and play an instrument

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A New Sense of Individuality

Growing confidence in human reason and distinctiveness of individuals

Medieval drama tended toward allegory

Renaissance drama emphasized lifelike characters

Renaissance composers captured human emotions

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Information Technology 2.0

Invention of moveable metal type around 1450 changed the way information was transmitted

Print allowed information to spread quickly and cheaply

Some composers achieved international renown, even as publishers

By 1500, printing was a major enterprise throughout Europe

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Closer Look: A Renaissance Printing Press

Printing press made it possible to create thousands of copies of a text in a single process.

Individuals could now buy music for their own use at a reasonable price.

By 1500, printing became a major enterprise, and presses emerged across Europe.

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Chapter 7

Josquin des Prez

“The Cricket”

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Chapter 7 Learning Objectives

7.1 Discuss the whimsical nature of the text of ”The Cricket” and how Josquin’s setting reflects this nature.

7.2 Listen for the four equal voices characteristic of Renaissance style.

7.3 Recognize how Josquin’s music depicts specific words in the text of “The Cricket.”

7.4 Listen for the contrasting sections of the ABA structure.

7.5 Describe various performance options for “The Cricket.”

7.6 Discuss highlights of Josquin’s life.

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Listen to This First, “The Cricket”

Texture Listen for four distinct voices (polyphonic). Listen for passages in which voices sing in the same or different rhythms.
Word-Music Relationships Listen for examples of word painting, in which the sound of a cricket is imitated.
Form Listen for the return of the opening section. Listen for the contrast between the middle and outer sections.
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“The Cricket”

Composed: ca. 1500

Words and music enhance one another

Josquin wrote music as humorous as the text

Written to be played by any combination of voices and instruments

Renaissance songs seem more contemporary than music from the Middle Ages

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Texture: Polyphony in Four Voices

Four equal parts: soprano (highest), alto, tenor, bass (lowest)

Polyphony (equal-voice texture) is the norm for Renaissance music

Counterpoint governed how multiple melodies sound good when played together

Technique learned by writing new melodies against an existing one

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Word Painting: Music Imitates Text

In word painting, music “illustrates” the meaning of a word or phrase

Examples in “The Cricket”:

Long notes for cricket’s ability to “hold a long line”

Chirping, hiccupping sounds for “drinking”

Passionate, intense melisma for “love”

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Ternary Form

Form of text shapes the form of the music

Two broad sections in “The Cricket”

Cricket can hold a long note and sing of drinking

Cricket is different from birds, who also sing

Each section receives distinctive music

Opening section is repeated at end

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Connect Your Playlist: Word Painting

Find a piece that uses word painting.

Example: Taylor Swift, “Blank Space” (2014)

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Profile: Josquin des Prez (ca. 1450-1521)

An international celebrity in his time

So popular that publishers falsely attributed many pieces to him

Demanded higher salaries and freedom to work independently

Life shrouded in mystery

Born near border of France and Belgium, but worked mainly in Italy, including in Rome

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Expand Your Playlist: Josquin des Prez

Missa Pange Lingua

Missa La Sol Fa Re Mi

“Hail Mary…Serene Virgin”

“Virgin Nurse of God, Undefiled”

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Performance: Playing and Singing

Similar to songwriters today, Josquin wrote his music so that it could be performed in a variety of ways

With words

Without words

Arranged for all kinds of instruments and instrumental ensembles

Renaissance musicians were resourceful – used whatever combination of voices or instruments available

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Expand Your Playlist: The Music of Sounds (1/2)

Are all sounds music? Consider the following:

Birds