During the Middle Ages, a period stretching from the 5th to the 15th century, music underwent major transformations and saw new styles and genres emerge. Medieval music consisted mainly of religious and secular songs. In this article, we will explore the different types of music that dominated this fascinating era.
Religious Music
Religious music was undoubtedly the most widespread form of music in the Middle Ages. Ecclesiastical institutions were responsible for many musical compositions dedicated to the liturgy and religious ceremonies.
Gregorian Chant
Gregorian chant is unquestionably the most emblematic type of religious music from this period. It owes its name to Pope Gregory I (590-604), who is said to have supervised the collection and systematization of the liturgical chants of the time. Gregorian chant is characterized by its monody, meaning that it consists of a single melody without instrumental accompaniment or harmony. Voices therefore take pride of place in this musical style, which highlights the beauty of the sacred text and spiritual expression.
Polyphony
Polyphony appeared in the Middle Ages as an evolution of Gregorian chant. It consists of adding several voices that overlap and harmonize to form a richer, more complex whole. The earliest polyphonic works, called organum, were very simple and had only two voices. Over time, composers developed more elaborate compositional techniques, making it possible to create true masterpieces such as motets.
Secular Music
Alongside religious music, the Middle Ages saw the birth of many genres of secular music. These forms of music aimed to evoke varied themes such as courtly love, epic and legendary tales, and historical events.
Troubadours and Trouvères
Troubadours (in southern France) and trouvères (in northern France) were poet-composers who set their poems dedicated to courtly love to music. They mainly used the langue d’oc or the langue d’oïl to compose their works, although some examples can also be found in Latin or in the vernacular. The melodies were often simple and accompanied by instruments such as the vielle, the harp, or the lute.
The Songs of Minstrels
Minstrels were itinerant musicians who traveled through towns and countryside to entertain people. Their repertoire consisted mainly of dance songs, popular airs, and epic or legendary tales in verse. They accompanied their singing with instruments such as the flute, the tambourine, or the cornett.
Medieval Instruments
Music in the Middle Ages also relied on the use of various instruments, some of which disappeared over time. Here are a few examples of instruments typical of this period:
- The vielle: an ancestor of the violin, this bowed string instrument had between three and five strings and was very popular among troubadours and trouvères.
- The psaltery: a plucked string instrument, it came in various shapes (triangular, trapezoidal, and others) and was used both to accompany singing and to play instrumental music.
- The harp: already present in Antiquity, the harp remained a highly valued instrument in the Middle Ages for its ability to produce soft, melodious sounds.
- The lute: an eastern cousin of the guitar, the lute was introduced into Europe during the Middle Ages and quickly became very successful thanks to its versatility and ease of use.
- Flutes: whether end-blown (like the recorder) or transverse, flutes were very fashionable in the Middle Ages and were used both to accompany singing and to play instrumental music.
In short, the Middle Ages were a rich and vibrant period for music. The different musical genres that emerged, such as Gregorian chant, polyphony, the songs of troubadours and trouvères, and the repertoires of minstrels, testify to the diversity and creativity of the artists of the time. Rediscovering and studying this music today allows us to understand an important part of our cultural heritage.
Expand your knowledge of this mysterious era by discovering all the types of music that could be heard in the Middle Ages. A magnificent journey through time is offered to you here.