Arts >> Music >> Musical Instruments

What were musical groups like before 1600?

Medieval music

* Sacred music, which was performed in churches and cathedrals.

* Chant, which is a type of monophonic music that is sung by a choir or group of singers.

* Polyphony, which is music that has two or more melodies playing at the same time.

* Secular music, which was performed in courts, castles, and taverns.

* Songs, which were often accompanied by instruments such as the lute, harp, and vielle.

* Dances, which were often based on folk dances.

Renaissance music

* Sacred music, which continued to be performed in churches and cathedrals.

* Masses, which were settings of the Catholic Mass.

* Motets, which were polyphonic compositions that were often based on religious texts.

* Secular music, which became increasingly popular during the Renaissance.

* Madrigals, which were polyphonic vocal pieces that were often based on love poetry.

* Chansons, which were French songs that were often sung by troubadours and trouvères.

* Instrumental music, which began to develop as an independent genre.

Musical Instruments

Related Categories