Music of Western Europe: 750-1750
F05
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. The slow evolution of free beat-driven bass in the baroque from the medieval cantus firmus. The consistent role of improvisation as catalyst. Scandal and social condemnation of musical innovation. We will discuss these marvels and more as we study European music from the Dark Ages—was it really dark?—to the rococo.