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How to Identify a Piece of Music As Belonging to Either the Medieval or Renaissance Period

Given the different cultural norms and characteristics of the Medieval and Renaissance eras, distinguishing between the music of each respective time period is simple, especially if you familiarize yourself with the musical conventions and techniques used during each of these periods. The general rule of thumb is that the more complex, intriguing music belongs to the Renaissance period. During the Renaissance, limits were being tested and notes were being emphasized rather than muted as was often the case with the relatively plain music of the Medieval period.

Instructions

    • 1

      Listen to the rhythms of the music from each time period. If the rhythm is fairly basic and stays the same throughout the piece, it was most likely produced during the Medieval period. If the rhythm varies and blends, the piece likely belongs to the Renaissance period.

    • 2

      Determine whether a Gregorian chant is being sung. Gregorian chants are simple repetitive lines sung by a single person or a choir in which every member sings the exact same part. This style of music belongs to the Medieval period.

    • 3

      Determine whether the music sounds like a piece you would likely hear in a church or at a festival. Medieval music was designed solely for use in church settings, while music produced in the Renaissance period reflected a broader range of celebrations.

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