SIGNIFICANT COMPOSERS OF THE RENAISSANCE

(1450-1600)

Josquin Desprez (circa 1440-1521)

· He is considered by many as being the most admired composer of his time

· He composed important music for the church and the courts

· He was also known as a character, as he would often write music which reflected nature (literally)

· These “nature” or character tunes were very popular amongst the music lovers of the time

· One of his most notable works in this genre was his “Frottola” “El Grillo” (the cricket)

· The song is humerous, rhythmic and to put it simply…fun for both the listener and especially the perform

· He was must noted for his Chanson, Masses and Motets

· Josquin was a contemporary of the great Leonardo da Vinci

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS ABOUT HIS MUSIC:

· He was truly a master at the technique of composing long flowing phrases

· He was also extremely adept at writing music which not only reflected the text, but made the text come alive

· The method he most often used was “Text Painting” (explain the concept)

· Josquin’s contribution to the musical canon of the Renaissance era was no less than great

Specific Musical Works: “Ave Maria”

· One of his most famous motets is the “Ave Maria…Virgo Serena” Marian Motets (Sings of the Virgin)

· This is a motet which utilizes a four voice structure

· The text is in Latin

· The character is somewhat serene in nature

· Each line is a delicate reflection of the text

· The melody is structured in such a way that each line is an independent unit within itself

· He opens the work using a polyphonic texture

· Imitation is a large component of both his work and of other composers from the period

THE STRUCTURE:

1. Sop.: (M1-2) contains the opening motive

2. Alto: (M3-4) picks up the motive in imitation an octave lower

3. Tenor: (M5-6) now the opening motive is in the tenor voice

4. Bass: (M7-8) Finally, the bass picks up the motive

When listening to music, in particular vocal music from the Renaissance, you will find that structured imitation is paramount to the overall development of the period

· This is typical of early Renaissance polyphony, as it builds on itself.

· You will also note that in Renaissance polyphony verses Medeival polyphony, that Ren.composers tend to be more expansive in their design.

· This is due to the fact that they now have more compositional tools in which to work

· The Ave Maria by Josquin is still somewhat an early composition

· But you can already the expansiveness of his work verses that of the Medieval polyphony produced by the composers of the Notre Dame school

· Another comparison would be to look at the use of text and music and how they are both related and expressed

You will notice in the “Gratia Plena” meaning full of grace…

· the melody descends downward, but is also passed between voices

QUESTIONS TO NOW ASK YOURSELF:

1. Rhythmically, are there any significant patterns emerging?

2. Is the piece sectional or consistent throughout?

3. What is the overall mood of this composition? Is it of a spirited variety or more longing/lamenting/prayerful character?

4. Does the texture remain the same throughout or does it vary?

5. Address the issues of tempo/meter