This document introduces the first three periods of Western music history: the Medieval era, Renaissance period, and Baroque period. It provides details about the Medieval era, noting that it started with the fall of the Roman Empire, was influenced by the Christian church, and featured monophonic plainchant music approved by Pope Gregory I. Examples of plainchant were transmitted orally but later put into notation. Secular music also emerged performed by troubadours telling of courtly love in French.

1. Introducing the first three periods of Western Music
History: Medieval Era, Renaissance & Baroque Period.

5. Also known as the MIDDLE AGES OR “DARK
AGES”
Started with the fall of the Roman Empire
Christian church influenced Europe’s culture &
political affairs.
Monophonic plainchant was a type of music back
in the medieval era, named after POPE
GREGORY I, who made Monophonic plainchant
the approved music of the catholic church.
 Although it was originally transmitted orally, scholars
agreed to put it in notation to assist dissemination of
chants across Europe.

6. NEUMES
 Desciption: The introit Gaudeamus
Omnes scripted in square notation
 Date: 14th – 15th Century
 Listen to an example of Gregorian chant
that your teacher will let you hear.
Afterwards, answer the following
questions:
1. What can you say about the
plainchants? What are their
Characteristics?
2. How can you compare it to modern
music made today? (21st Century Music)

7. During the later part of the Medieval
Period, secular music (which was not
bound by Catholic Traditions)
emerged!
Most of the songs emerged were
performed across Europe by a group
of musicians called TROUBADOURS.

9. Usually Monophonic
Sometimes with improvised
accompaniment
Tells of chivalry and courtly love
Originated in France
Written in French language

10. - Was one of the oldest
composers of secular music
- His literary and musical
works include chansons and
poetic debates
- His musical play, LE JEU
DE ROBIN ET DE
MARION, was considered
the earliest surviving secular
French play with music.
SOME OF HIS WORKS INCLUDE:
1. Le jeu de Robin et de Marion (the game of Robin
and Marion)
2. La Chanson du roi de Sicile (the song of the king
of Sicile)