Instruments, such as the vielle, harp, psaltery, flute, shawm, bagpipe, and drums were all used during the Middle Ages to accompany dances and singing.

What is the importance of music during the Medieval period?

Secular music: For much of the Medieval era, art served a sacred purpose. Vocal music was liturgical with Latin lyrics, and liturgical dramas were the norm in the theater. Yet with the advent of the motet, secular lyrics became more common, often concerning courtly love.

What were the roles of musicians in Medieval society?

Composers were churchmen and musicians got their training as church choirboys. The role of music in the medieval church was to embellish or accompany prayer. It was intended to create a mood of peace, contemplation and spirituality.

What musical instrument was most important during the Middle Ages?

The Harp – The harp was a favorite instrument of the troubadours and minstrels and was about 30 inches in length. The Fiddle – There were a variety of Medieval Fiddles which were played with a bow or plucked and usually held under the chin or in the crook of the arm.

What are the characteristics of music in Medieval period?

– During the middle ages, musical texture was monophonic, meaning it has a single melodic line. – Sacred vocal music such as Gregorian chants were set to Latin text and sung unaccompanied. – It was the only type of music allowed in churches, so composers kept the melodies pure and simple.

What was a major influence in medieval music?

Traditional English influences over the Medieval music of the Middle Ages include the following: The growth of Christianity in the Dark Ages leading to the introduction of secular music. The stories and legends of the English, Welsh and Scottish bards. The ideals of courtly love.

What other purposes might traveling musicians have served in the medieval era?

Minstrels served to entertain the public. They made up songs, stories, and repeated ballads and folk tales popular during this time. Traveling from town to town minstrels were also a source of news. This would share information with the townspeople of the village.

What is the importance of medieval and Renaissance music?

The medieval and Renaissance periods each witnessed a critical transition in the structure of Western music. During the Middle Ages, monophony evolved into polyphony (see Musical Texture). During the Renaissance, the shell harmony of the Middle Ages was succeeded by true harmony.