Unit 2: Mass

Question 1

Mass (Renaissance) background and origins

Answer 1

• earliest Mass settings: monophonic chant
• 12th and 13th century: many chants (particularly those from Mass Proper) served as basis for organum
• first complete polyphonic setting of Mass Ordinary: Mess de Nostre Dame by Guillaume de Machaut (among longest extant works from Middle Ages)
• Renaissance: polyphonic setting of 5 mvts of Mass Ordinary (explore contrapuntal techniques)

Question 2

What is an example of the earliest Mass setting?

Answer 2

Haec dies from the Gregorian Mass for Easter Day

Question 3

Mass (Renaissance) characteristic features

Answer 3

• unified polyphonic setting of 5 sections of Mass Ordinary
• generally 4 to 6 voices
• in addition to chant melodies, secular songs used as melodic sources for cantus firmus
• mvts could be linked thematically
• could be freely composed (entirely new material)
• combine imitative counterpoint w/ homorhythmic passage: variety & interest in text setting

Question 4

What is an example of a secular song being used as a melodic source for the cantus firmus in the Renaissance Mass?

Answer 4

L’homme armé (based on popular battle tune)

Question 5

How could the movements of the Renaissance Mass be linked thematically?

Answer 5

same motive or cantus firmus used throughout 5 sections of Mass Ordinary

Question 6

The Reformation

Answer 6

• 16th-century Christian reform mvt in Europe
• led by Martin Luther
• formed many new Protestant dominations and churches

Question 7

Martin Luther

Answer 7

• leader of Protestant Reformation
• founder of Lutheran church
• poster “Ninety-Five These” (reforms) in 1517
• because of translated bible, congregation can actively participate using native language

Question 8

What do Martin Luther’s reforms include?

Answer 8

• conduct service in German instead of Latin
• engage congregation: replace elaborate polyphonic settings of the Mass w/ simpler music (German monophonic hymn tune that are were easy to sing)

Question 9

The Counter-Reformation

Answer 9

• mid-16th-century reaction of Catholic Church to Protestant Reformation
• Church attempt win power back (reign political power and authority)
• response include convening Council of Trent

Question 10

Council of Trent

Answer 10

• series meeting of highest Catholic Church officials
• Trento, Italy 1545 - 1563
• condemned “Protestant heresies”
• reaffirmed doctrines of Catholicism
• recommendations regarding liturgical music

Question 11

What were the Council of Trent’s recommendations regarding liturgical music?

Answer 11

• text should be clear and intelligible
• counterpoint should not be overly dense or thick
• exept for organ, nstruments should not be used
• use of secular cantus firmus banned
• displays virtuosity should be avoided