Medieval Period (500-1400 CE)
The medieval era saw significant developments in Western music through the Christian church. Gregorian chant emerged as the dominant form of Western sacred music, characterized by monophonic, unaccompanied vocal music. Monks preserved and developed musical notation, with Guido d'Arezzo revolutionizing the system in the 11th century by inventing the musical staff.
Polyphony—music with multiple independent melodic lines—emerged around the 9th century and gradually became more complex. The Notre Dame School in Paris during the 12th and 13th centuries produced sophisticated polyphonic compositions. Secular music also flourished through troubadours and trouvères in France and Minnesingers in Germany, who composed songs about courtly love and chivalry.
During this same period, the Islamic Golden Age saw remarkable musical development. Arabic music theory influenced both Eastern and Western traditions. Scholars like Al-Farabi wrote extensively on music theory and acoustics. The Persian musician Ziryab introduced the oud to Spain and established influential musical schools. Islamic musical traditions emphasized improvisation and modal systems called maqamat.
In India, classical music traditions were codified in ancient texts like the Natya Shastra. The raga system, with its complex melodic frameworks tied to specific times of day and emotional states, became central to Indian music. The tabla and sitar emerged as signature instruments, though their modern forms developed later.
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