The events of the past happened because of intended and uncontrollable circumstances, and they have been regarded to with both admiration and disdain. It is always the past that shapes the future, and probably this influence will persist all the time, like music. There were three key periods during the Middle Ages, and one of it which was the Medieval period surfaced when the Roman Empire lost its hold. However, Renaissance also came to claim the Medieval period’s throne and was then left for the past to endure. But like wonderful things that may have been gone with the wind, the music prevailed in people’s minds and hearts. Thus, there is still a set of Medieval instruments that can describe to us the lifestyle of what has been.
There are different ways in which one can appreciate an instrument. First, is the direct regard because it is what’s being used as of the present, thus the familiarity is there. Meanwhile, we also get to respect instruments that were part of the past because they are considered classic, the remnants of how people enjoyed melodies back then. Now, replicates may be made and the original ones taken from the period itself may be preserved for appreciation. Plucked stringed instruments were aplenty and were used often, but there were many more around. Meanwhile, in a sense, the period gave room for both sacred and secular music. Christianity and Catholicism were praised through songs that put them in the limelight, also to promote humanity in God’s words. On the other hand where entertainment had to be prioritized, the side of the common class is addressed through secular or non-religious music.
Like in any event, the music is always an effective mood setter, the same with how different get-ups create a fashion trend. Medieval instruments were used to heighten up the fun factor during festivities, and it made people feel elated and happy to be in the presence of others who are there to celebrate the event as well. Genres also made classifications like lover’ music to a wedding ceremony. And one interesting trivia is that medieval music was believed to be beneficial to the digestive processes of one person, thus it was essential for meals.
The texture of music in which there were two melodic voices surfaced during those times as well. Polyphony, as it was called popularly. All the technical terms were distinct to and characterized the period in general, and we can do so much by paying tribute to it. After all, there is always a certain level of respect that a period should gain, thus people of the present can only look back with admiration.
So if you are a lover of music, then it is important to explore the many different musical movements of history. It is no enough that you know what the “now” is because like they always say, you can never understand the future if you do not know the past. Medieval instruments are an interesting study, all the more if you learn how to play them.
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