Early Music

Music has not always been the same. In fact, music was very different just a few centuries ago. Clearly, music is constantly changing from whatever is popular at the time, but it goes deeper than that if one looks at change in music over a long period of time.

The beginning of music came about when people began to chant. It was around 100 A.D that this form of singing started music itself. Later, in the 12th century, jugglers and jesters incorporated tunes into their acts. This was a type of cantus firmus, or fixed melody in which other voices are added. Each song had its own message or purpose; it could have been for artistic expression or just about the life of the singer. Troubadours are singers, usually singing love songs, which traveled all over Europe, singing along their way.

Around the 14th and 15th century, many musicians came to be well known for their artistic talents. Machaut surpassed many musical talents in both secular and spiritual music. Landini's music was less diverse and more direct in the melodies. Dufay and Binchois wrote distinct music and were both well known for it. All of these musicians had different things to contribute to the musical world.

During the beginning of music, many musical concepts were created. Tonics are used to describe the direction of music. Strong tonality implies certainty in where the music is headed; conversely weak tonality describes songs that have no concrete direction. Songs were either rich or translucent in the way they were played or sang.

Choruses started in the late 15th century. There are four parts to a choral group: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Each voice is grouped into one of these four categories. The higher ones singing voice was, the higher the group he or she was placed in. Each choral group was equally divided in parts, and no person had a more important part. Choral music was popular back then because it was spiritual, smooth, and mystical in the way it sounded to the listeners.

Eventually, voices did not satisfy the ear alone so instruments were created by mathematicians and scientists. Drums were the first of many, and still today, the foundations of songs are based around the beat and rhythm of the drums. Church organs were soon included to the selection. Later, string instruments like the lute (an early guitar), the feagle (similar to a violin), and the harp are invented. These are followed by blowing instruments like trumpets and the gluisine (a slide-less trombone). All of these early instruments are the inspirations for modern instruments.

Whether it was chanters, musicians, early concepts, choral groups, or just early instruments, music has come a long way since back in the day. But one thing is for sure, without these basics to grow from, music would be nowhere. In total, modern day has a lot to be thankful for when is comes to early music.