In the course of this chapter, you will see how Western classical music evolved from monophonic chant to more complex four-voice polyphony. To get a feeling for the music of the Middle Ages, listen to the opening of an early fifteenth-century Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead).
https://youtu.be/kcRku6UL9YQ?list=PLC8C8303D7E9A6B38
As you listen, ask yourself the following questions: Can I understand the Latin text? Even if I can’t understand it, does this lessen how I feel about these sounds?
Similarly, do you find this music from 600 years ago any less beautiful than that of today? Judging from this one musical example, have humans gone forward, backward, or sideways?
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This chapter will show you how Western classical music progressed from monophonic chant to more complicated four-voice polyphony. Listen to the opening of an early fifteenth-century Requiem Mass to get a sense of the music of the Middle Ages (Mass for the Dead).
https://youtu.be/kcRku6UL9YQ?list=PLC8C8303D7E9A6B38
As you listen, consider the following questions: Is it possible for me to grasp the Latin text? Does the fact that I don’t understand it change my feelings regarding these sounds?
Similarly, do you think music from 600 years ago is any less lovely than music from today? Based on this single musical example, have humanity progressed ahead, backward, or sideways?
