From Middle Ages to Renaissance

The differences in style between the medieval and renaissance periods are often difficult to hear.
This is especially true since a central musical style of the Middle Ages, chant, continued to be
used and to exert a strong influence on music throughout the Renaissance. Nonetheless, certain
fundamental changes can be detected by the careful listener.

  Middle Ages Renaissance

Melody  Long, asymmetrical  Shorter, balanced

 Texted melodies often  Texted melodies often syllabic
melismatic

Rhythm  Restless and active  Smoother, more regular

 Often tied to rhythm of words

Harmon  Based on fifths and octaves  Based on triads

y  Unexpected, pungent  Dissonance less harsh, usually on weak
dissonances beats
 More adventurous in late Renaissance in
portraying emotions

Sound  Voices and instruments mixed  Often a cappella or purely instrumental

 Bright tone colors, freely mixed  Softer tone colors, ensembles of similar
instruments (consorts)

Texture  Monophonic and polyphonic  Mostly polyphonic

 Non-imitative  Often imitative

Form  Often based on cantus firmus  Some isorhythm, but usually based on
 and isorhythm text or dance forms
 Vocal refrain forms (virelai,  Through-composed vocal pieces
rondeau) (madrigal and motet)