Music+and+Art+17th

The [|Renaissance] is characterized by the concept of "rebirth" - new ideas and new perspectives on familiar topics, and a new emphasis on learning, philosophy, and the acquisition of knowledge. Naturally, these new attitudes were applied to the worlds of visual art and music. Ironically, the Renaissance period of music [|ended in 1600], and the musical style of 1600-1660 is actually classified as part of the [|Baroque period]. Baroque music introduced a more experimental approach to composition, though ironically as a result of restriction rather than free-spiritedness. The wealthy enjoyed showing off music that had been written for them, which meant that they would often hire composers to produce the most dazzling or complicated pieces. In an attempt to outdo their fellow richmen, they almost always demanded that the music be more dazzling or complicated than that before, forcing the composers to create pieces that were as flashy as possible. Even if the piece was not technically impressive, the importance lay in how impressive it sounded. It is also worth noting that the modern piano had not yet been created, and most of this music was played on [|harpsichord], an instrument with crude volume control and no ability to sustain notes. This is because playing a key would cause the string to be plucked instead of struck. Therefore, compositions had no changes in volume and were not dynamic. It was not until the piano entered the musical scene that performers could effectively present a range of emotions with a keyed instrument.
 * Music and Art of the Late Renaissance**

Visual art starting gravitating towards certain themes or mediums. Religious themes were popular, including depictions of Jesus Christ or the divine Mother Mary, and altarpieces and ceiling paintings were much more prolifically created. The [|Golden Legend], a 1200s compilation of the glorified lives of the Saints, was popular and influential in the subjects of artists' paintings.

An example of a //[|fresco]// design, or ceiling painting.


 * Scavenger Hunt Questions** - use the websites referenced above to find the answers.

1) During the renaissance period, most composers wrote music for whose enjoyment? A. themselves B. their contractors C. everybody 2) What was the most common composition style of the baroque period? 3) Baroque compositions written for a single instrument usually featured what instrument? 4) By whom was the //Golden Legend// Englished, and how long after its original compilation? 5) In terms of cieling art, to what does //buon// refer? 6) How does the renaissance make you //feel//? What //emotions// does it bring out in you? There are no wrong answers.