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325
music
325
Constantine declares Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. The spread of Christianity in the western world spurred the development of European music. -
Jul 22, 600
music
600
Pope Gregory the Great codifies and collects the chant, which is used in Roman Catholic services and is named the Gregorian chant in his honor. -
Jul 1, 1030
music
. 1030
Guido of Arezzo, an Italian monk, develops a system for learning music by ear. Voice students often use the system, called solfège, to memorize their vocal exercises. In the 19th century, solf ège developed into the tonic sol-fa system used today. -
Jul 19, 1180
music
. 1180
Troubadours appear in Germany and call themselves minnesingers, “singers about love.” -
Jul 21, 1430
music
1430
The Renaissance begins. This rebirth favors the simplistic virtues of Greek and Roman Classic styles, moves from polyphony to one harmonized melody and sees the increased importance and popularity of secular music. Josquin Desprez, often called the Prince of Music, is a leading composer of the Renaissance. He worked for ducal courts in Italy and France, at the Sistine Chapel and for kings Louis XI and Louis XII. -
music
c. 850
Western music begins to move from monophony to polyphony with the vocal parts in church music moving in parallel intervals.
