Difference Between Medieval and Renaissance Music

中世纪与文艺复兴时期的音乐

As part of the many categories under music knowing the difference between medieval and renaissance music can be of use to you if you are much interested in music. Music, as the universal phenomenon it is, has its origins in every culture and civilization. There are millions of people who adore music, some being just listeners, some being music players, and some others being enthusiasts of music: its trends, history, and evaluation. To the enthusiasts of music and its history and evolution, studying about them could mean everything. These wanderers searching for the history of music and evolution, it is very important to have knowledge about various eras of music with a chronological perspective. Speaking of which, this article presents information on two such eras of music, medieval and renaissance music (of western music) and endeavours to analyse their differences.

What is Medieval Music?

The term Medieval Music speaks of the written and composed music during the era called theMiddle Ages, from 500 C AD to 1400 C AD. Middle Ages began with the decay and fall of the Roman Empire. Music in the medieval times was secular and sacred at the same time and it was in chant form, mainly monophonic. Polyphonic chants were later developed. Also, earlier medieval music did not have a particular notational system, so oral tradition transmitted the monophonic tunes. However,later, medieval musicians developed a notation style called neumes. Most importantly, medieval music speaks of a counterpoint which was developed by organum: a plainchant melody with at least one voice to sustain harmony. Also, a large amount of music written in the medieval era is anonymous.

What is Renaissance Music?

The term Renaissance Music refers to the music written and composed in theRenaissance时代。文艺复兴时期是欧洲的一个好时期，艺术，科学，音乐，智力和生活方式进行了重生。发生了许多觉醒的事件，包括对隐藏的古希腊和罗马写作的重新发现以及新闻界的发明等。音乐的文艺复兴时代始于1400 c广告，一直持续到1600年。在文艺复兴时期，音乐是由许多人组成的，在很大程度上是即兴创作的。文艺复兴时期音乐的节奏是浮力的，文艺复兴时期的作曲家进一步开发了中世纪的对立面来创造赋像。一个新的调整系统。在此期间也开发了良好的回火。

What is the difference between Medieval and Renaissance Music?

• Medieval music existed from 500 C AD to 1400 C AD while renaissance music existed from 1400 C AD to 1600 C AD.

• Medieval music did not much have a notational system earlier to write down music. Hence, it was transmitted orally while renaissance music was supporting the invention of fugues. This clearly denotes about the notation system.

•中世纪音乐主要是单声圣歌;第一个单phonic then developed into polyphonic. Renaissance music was largely buoyant melodies.

• Medieval music was mostly only vocal while renaissance music was of both instrumental and vocal; flutes, harps, violins were some of the instruments used.

• Medieval was mainly the beginning of music history while renaissance developed it into several new levels with more composers who existed in the era.

Judging by these differences, it is comprehensive that medieval and renaissance music differ from each other and renaissance was a development of medieval music.

Photos By:Hans Splinter(CC BY-ND 2.0)