University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Literature and Styles in Music I 

1. Chants often more expressive of text
2. Infl. of Northern folk song style seen in greater use of melodic leaps, esp. 3rds and tendency toward major-minor tonality
3. New forms: Trope, Sequence, Liturgical Drama

1. Originally any newly composed addition to one of the antiphonal chants of the Proper of the Mass
2. At first, most are new prefaces or introductions
3. Later, tropes also serve as interpolations

1. Specific type of trope: long, melismatic extension attached to "Jubilus" of Alleluia chant
2. Orig. called "Prosa" when equipped with text
3. Probably invented as a memory aid in dealing with long chant (e.g., the addition of text to long "wordless" melismas
4. Eventually new melody written to go with new text and becomes separated from original context (one of first independent forms of composition)
5. Especially prominent in 10th-13th century
6. Form: based on repetition
   • Each strophe (stanza) of text (except for first) followed by another with same syllables and sung to same melody
   • Example: a bb cc dd x
7. Famous Sequences:
   • Victimae Paschali Laudes (a bb cd cd x)
   • Veni Sanctus Spiritus
   • Lauda Sion
   • Dies Irae
   • Stabat Mater (later addition)

1. Earliest form of musical drama based on Processional tropes (e.g., preceding Introit for Easter)
2. Dialogue form, accompanied by dramatic action
3. Dramas arise also in connection with Christmas liturgy
4. Scope of dramas increase; spoken dialogue added
5. Various Biblical stories dramatized (e.g., Daniel in the Lion's den)
6. Eventually detached from regular service
   • vernacular replaces Latin
   • popular hymns & other songs introduced
   • Instrumental accompaniment and independent pieces introduced
   Last Update 6/21/06
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