Breath Time and The Age of Authority (600-1600)
F06
Kitty Brazelton
Christian plainchant, anonymous or a gift from God? Harmony, polyphony as consequences of the question. Hidden mystical mathematics of early vocal music versus the luscious humanism of the Renaissance. Melodies as pieces of god. The slow evolution of free bass from the medieval cantus firmus and the ambitious power of the result. The consistent role of improvisation as catalyst. Scandal and social condemnation of musical intervention. We will discuss these marvels and more as we study European music from the Dark Ages—was it really dark?—to the edges of the Enlightenment.