Posted in: Composition by Lauren Axelrod on December 5, 2009 | 15 Comments
If not for this revolutionary invention, your favorite harmonical songs would be nonexistent and our lives would be filled with monophonic music lacking instrumentation and including the voices of monks in unison.
In the central portion of Paris, France there lies an island in the middle of the river Seine. There you will find the huge Cathedral Notre Dame which was built around 1200. Notre Dame is one of the most magnificently architectural locations in all of Europe.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, Notre Dame was the focal point of polyphonic musical compositions. The first Medieval University was constructed around the cathedral and Kings and Queens built palaces surrounding the sacred location.
As you read the historical evolution of the first piece of harmony, listen to one of the earliest plainchant’s of harmonical sound.
The earliest written sources of music were medieval manuscripts of the late 9th century that contain liturgical texts. Small symbols were used called “neumes” that indicated the contour of the melodic lines.
In honor of the construction of this massive structure, two composers created the first polyphonical piece in the history of Western music. Leoninus was the eldest son and originally started the collection that was composed for Notre Dame. Perotinus added to the collection by extending the range and scope of the music.
The pieces of these two composers were made into a collection of compositions called the “Magnus Liber Organi”. The book itself contains sophisticated pieces for the year of Notre Dame.
The most famous of the compositions was the four part Viderunt Omnes by Perotinus, based on the plainchant of the same name. This chant was meant to be played in the middle of Mass services on Christmas Day.
The most incredible aspect about this piece is that it is built entirely on an ancient structure of musical composition many are not familiar with. In addition, the voice parts of the composition were sang entirely by monks or priests.
The evolution of harmony began in the 10th century and it made its way all over the country and the entire world. Not only would your favorite harmonical songs be nonexistent if not for this invention but, our lives would be filled with monophonic music lacking instrumentation and including the voices of monks in unison.
mdegenhardt October 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 am
Very informative and educational, musically speaking. Very well written as it opens the eyes of the reader to true history of an art. Michael
C. Jordan October 23rd, 2008 at 8:34 am
Good article with some wonderful illustrations
valli October 23rd, 2008 at 8:36 am
Very interesting and informative.
Lost in Arizona October 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Wow, I did not know any of this. You learn something new everyday!
Keep up the awesome writing.
goodselfme October 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
More than wonderful for the education and sight!
RJ Evans October 23rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Aswriters progress they become more and more cerebral… seems to be happening here!
Harmony! Julius Caesar recorded it in his history of the celts! This is a marvelllous piece of putting the jigsaw together.
CHAN LEE PENG October 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Interesting! Take care!
Darlene McFarlane October 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I love an educational article like this. Thanks for the hard work, Lauren.
Darlene
Lucas Dié October 24th, 2008 at 2:50 am
thank you for the music!
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Very well-researched. Thank you for sharing this, Lauren
nobert soloria bermosa October 24th, 2008 at 5:15 am
very informative,like it much
Bozsi Rose October 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Good info!
Enzo Silvestri October 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Cathedral of Our Lady, very good collection. Actually I once heard a clever joke about Notre Dame hiring a new bell ringer, but that’s for another day.
gabbic1219 October 25th, 2008 at 12:16 am
it is all great…nice work and ur pics. are wonderful!
Patrick Bernauw November 7th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Sometimes, you have a really good time, here on the web… This is one of these times!… Fascinating stuff! Entertaining and learning… Best of both worlds, I would say!