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“Early Western Art Music”

“Early Western Art Music” (Music from the Middle Ages or Renaissance only, no Dylan, Baez, or Cash, etc.) Include the title of the listening example in your answer. After listening, address these six questions:
After listening, address the following six questions:
• How did the music make you feel? Why?
• What was the mood of the music? Why do you say that?

Sample Answer

Let’s explore early Western art music, focusing on the Medieval and Renaissance periods. I’ve chosen a piece representative of the era: “Missa Papae Marcelli” (Mass for Pope Marcellus) by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This work, composed during the Renaissance, is a masterpiece of polyphony and is often cited as a prime example of sacred music from that period.

How did the music make you feel? Why?

Listening to the “Missa Papae Marcelli” evokes a sense of peace, serenity, and even awe. The smooth, flowing vocal lines create a sense of calm and tranquility. The polyphony, with its interwoven melodies, creates a rich and complex texture that is both beautiful and intellectually stimulating. The absence of strong rhythmic drives or dramatic dynamic contrasts contributes to the overall feeling of peaceful contemplation. The music seems to transcend earthly concerns and evoke a sense of the divine. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship of the composition are also awe-inspiring, demonstrating the mastery of Palestrina and the sophistication of Renaissance polyphony.

Full Answer Section

What was the mood of the music? Why do you say that?

The mood of the “Missa Papae Marcelli” is primarily one of reverence, solemnity, and spiritual reflection. This is evident for several reasons:

Sacred Text: The text of the Mass is inherently religious, dealing with themes of worship and devotion. While I may not understand the Latin words, the very context of a Mass suggests a mood of reverence.
Smooth Polyphony: The flowing, interwoven melodies of the polyphony create a sense of unity and harmony. There are no jarring dissonances or abrupt changes in texture. This smoothness contributes to the overall feeling of peace and tranquility.
Restrained Dynamics: The dynamics of the music are generally restrained, avoiding dramatic contrasts or sudden outbursts. This creates a sense of calm and contemplation, rather than excitement or drama.
Lack of Strong Beat: While there is a sense of rhythm, the music does not have a strong, driving beat. This contributes to the ethereal quality of the music and allows the listener to focus on the melodic lines and harmonies.
Consonant Harmonies: The harmonies used by Palestrina are primarily consonant, meaning they sound pleasing and stable to the ear. This contributes to the overall feeling of peace and serenity.

In short, the combination of the sacred text, smooth polyphony, restrained dynamics, lack of a strong beat, and consonant harmonies all contribute to the prevailing mood of reverence and spiritual reflection. The music seems designed to create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation, inviting the listener to transcend the everyday and connect with the divine.

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