The evolution of music in the middle ages was experienced from the mainly Gregorian chants of medieval music into the development of polyphonic music in the renaissance era. These developments in the art of music composition followed a certain chronological order that involved adjustments and innovations that improved and diversified music over the years. An example of this innovations was the development of the organum which was developed between 700-900. The first steps to revolutionize music from the ancient monophonic single tunes that characterized it were began at around these years. The use of the Gregorian chant in most musical compositions in courts, palaces and cathedrals across Europe was further improvised from its original form by adding a single melodic tune. This was mainly the work of monks in choirs in most monasteries. This additional line was however not written down even after being improvised. They changed the pitch of the tune while repeating the original line. This addition of an extra line on the Gregorian chant but with a different melodic pitch was called the organum . As from the year 900 and 1200, the organum was developed into a polyphonic system and the independence of the additional melody became more expressed. The innovation also included developing of a parallel melody of its own that was away from that of the main chant that became characteristic of the additional line. It therefore, formed an independent melodic curve.
The thirteenth century saw the development of a music style known as the estampie, a kind of medieval dance. This early form of music composition comprised of a single melodic line with no instrument specified. However, the use of a pipe and another bow string instrument was used to develop a rhythmic melody for the same in particular recordings at the time. The estampie was a strong and very fast beat that was improvised with different accompaniments over the course of time.
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In the years between 1170- 1200, the development of other rhythmic innovations by resident composers at the Cathedral of Notre Dame saw the initial development of polyphonic music but still through the ancient Gregorian chant. The most notable composers of the time such as Perotin and Leonin used measured rhythm in their numerous compositions. This form of composition included a defined meter and also definite time values. The fourteenth century is however, the hallmark period of the development of polyphonic music from the ancient Gregorian chant into the Renaissance period. One notable name in music composition history is Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377). He was born in France and became a famous poet and composer. His work Notre Dame Mass is believed to be one of the best musical compositions of the middle ages. It consists of the mass ordinary which is a given outline of prayer for the church throughout the year. These sung prayer texts are five in number and are the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and the Agnus Dei. It also holds credit as the first polyphonic musical by a recognized and known composer. He wrote several love ballads that are regarded the finest works of the fourteenth century. In around 1363, he wrote and composed Pius qu’en oubli sui de vous , which translates to Since I am forgotten by you. This was a love ballad written down by the composer to a noble young woman who he could not end up with due to a very big age difference. He however kept writing love letters and music to her which were later published as a compilation. This work of composition was in a collection he wrote between 1363-1365 called Le Livre Dou Voit Dit. His work in this project was classified as a rondeau , a poetic form of music in fourteenth century France. Machaut also developed other famous compositions such as the Agnus Dei which was a prayer song for peace and mercy. It is based mainly on Gregorian chant but improvised with new rhythmic patterns by the composer.
The development of music in the Renaissance period just like any other forms of art during that particular period was robust. This development happened between 1450-1600. The prioritization of words or else vocals over instruments in music is the most notable character of renaissance music. Most composers during this time used word painting where there was specific depiction of words through music. Music texture of renaissance music was highly polyphonic with several vocal parts and differences in melodic patterns. One main characteristic of renaissance music is that it sounds fuller than medieval music. It is therefore recognized as the ‘golden age’ of music composition and a cappella choral music. The rhythm and melody were further developed in this era with the melody characterizing a gentler flow.
The development of sacred music during the renaissance was mainly in two categories, the mass and the motet . The motet was a polyphonic choral work that was set in line with Latin text while the mass was a composition made up of five parts. It was also polyphonic. The most notably recognizable composer of this type of music is Josquin Desperez (1440-1521) who composed the famous four-voice mote t the Ave Maria…. Virgo serena. This was a dedication piece of prayer to the virgin Mary. His compositions were of great influence to other composers over the years.
