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Medieval Period
500-1400The Medieval period represents the earliest era of Western classical music, spanning nearly a millennium of musical development. This period saw the foundation of Western musical notation and the evolution from monophonic chant to complex polyphonic works.
Musical Characteristics
- Monophonic texture (single melodic line)
- Sacred music dominance
- Development of musical notation
- Modal scales rather than major/minor
- A cappella vocal music
- Gradual development of polyphony
Key Composers
Hildegard of Bingen
1098-1179
Composer of sacred monophonic chants
Pérotin
c.1160-1230
Master of early polyphony
Guillaume de Machaut
1300-1377
Leading composer of Ars Nova
Important Musical Forms
Gregorian ChantOrganumMotetChansonConductus
Common Instruments
VoiceOrganHarpLuteVielleRecorder