Music and Entertainment in the Middle Ages
“The true beauty of music is that it connects people,” (Ron Ayers). Music is a very magical thing. It has been around for centuries bringing people together and forming friendships, memories or bonds between people who love each other. Dance and theatre do this as well, dancing with someone is another form of communication, and theatre spreads the word of stories. Although music and entertainment has not always been the same throughout time, it still serves the same purpose. To know music, one should look at it throughout time. In the Middle Ages music and entertainment was a lot different than what it is today, but still holds some similarities. An analysis of music and entertainment of the Middle Ages, reveals the music and musicians, dance and theatre of that time period. …show more content…
This power included the ability to collect taxes, exert political influences, as well as greatly influence music. The medieval church had specific rules about the music performed. Plainchants, also known as the Gregorian Chants was the main form of singing. It was monophonic, with no harmonies or instruments, sung in unison by the monks of the church. Slowly, church music started adding a simple harmony, usually another line sung in a different pitch or a low drone throughout the piece. Finally, polyphonic church music became common by the late 1100’s. The church occasionally allowed certain musical instruments, like an organ or bells, for special occasions and holidays. During the Renaissance period, church choirs had grown in size and more voice parts were added. By this time, church did not have as much power over music. Now it was Kings, and other prominent members of the court who had the biggest