E N D
The Renaissance 1450 – 1600 Part 1 Music
The Renaissance was a time of rebirth in learning, science, and the arts throughout Europe. The rediscovery of the writings of ancient Greece and Rome led to a renewed interest in learning in general. The invention of the printing press allowed the disbursement of this knowledge in an unprecedented manner. The invention of the compass permitted the navigation of the world’s oceans and the subsequent discovery of lands far removed from the European continent.
With Copernicus’ discovery of the actual position of the earth in the solar system and Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church lost its grip on society and a humanist spirit was born. This spirit manifested itself in the painting and sculpture of Michelangelo, the plays of Shakespeare, and in both the sacred and secular dance and vocal music of the greatest composers of the era.
The Printing Press • In 1440, German inventor Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press process that, with refinements and increased mechanization, remained the principal means of printing until the late 20th century. The inventor's method of printing from movable type, including the use of metal molds and alloys, a special press, and oil-based inks, allowed for the first time the mass production of printed books.
Dance music of the Renaissance • Throughout the Renaissance instrumental dance music flowered and thrived, and was composed, or more likely improvised, by many people. Musicians whose names have come down to us collected much of this existing music and had it published in various volumes over the years. The Terpsichore of Michael Praetorius (c.1571-1621) and the dance music of TielmanSusato (c.1500-1561) represent some of the outstanding examples of dance music from the late Renaissance. • Listening example: “Allemande” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=849k61dOSgI • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz_K0fhXwUs&feature=related
Rankett aka “rackett” • A double reed instrument.
Listening example: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIy86HTy9oc
Sackbut • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfSKZhCsVdQ
Cornetto • Italian for "little horn" ("corno" - horn, plus the suffix "etto" - small); it is also nowadays often referred to as "cornett" (with two t's to give a distinction from the modern brass instrument, with which it has no connection). • Made of wood and covered in leather.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8LqhUgbuzQ
Krummhorn • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNuCoV4Sqg • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1VQQiGXbsw
Serpent • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4pWAIRY58&feature=related
Hurdy-Gurdy • The hurdy-gurdy is the first stringed instrument to which the keyboard principle was applied. The French name, Viella a Roue (wheel fiddle), describes the method by which sound is produced. The bowing action of the fiddle is replaced by a wheel cranked by a handle. The outer rim of the wooden wheel is coated with resin. When the crank is spun, the wheel turns and the gut strings vibrate.
Lute • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7goe9JYZJS8&feature=related