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Period: 1400 to
Renaissance
The repertoire of instrumental music also began to grow considerably. New instruments were invented, including two keyboard instruments called the clavichord and virginal. In addition, many existing instruments were enhanced. The lute became the favored instrument of the time period, and it was established as the standard instrument for family music making during the 16th century. Imitative polyphony can be easily heard in the music of Byrd, Gibbons, and Gabrieli. -
1500
Dance Music of the 16th Century (Ren)
Dance pieces served varying purposes:
- utilitarian pieces, intended to accompany dancing.
- some were stylized (too elaborate) intended for the entertainment of listeners or the pleasure of the performer(s).
Form: one mvmnt in a slow duple meter with another in a faster triple meter
Pavane: stately processional dance in duple meter. Form - AABBCC (became a popular form for stylized virtuosic settings) paired with the Galliard: a brisk dance in triple meter with the same form -
1551
Susato's - Danserye (pavane and galliard)
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Period: 1557 to
Thomas Morely
Having thoroughly established a market for English madrigals, Thomas Morley started to turn his attention to other genres that might appeal to his customers for recreational music, specifically instrumental ensemble music and the English lute ayre. To these he added a comprehensive self-instruction manual for those who wanted to acquire or improve their musical skills. -
Morely - First Book of Ayres or Little Short Songs
Comprising twenty-one songs, scored for voice, lute and bass viol, plus two instrumental pieces