Medieval Music: Polyphony and Monophony

Monophony is the term used to describe music with a single melodic line.

Polyphony is the term used to describe music with two or more melodic lines.

Ars nova is an example of polyphony, which is music with two or more melodic lines.

Gregorian chant is an example of monophony, which is music with a single melodic line.

The organ was the primary instrument used to accompany monophonic music in the Middle Ages.

The lute was the primary instrument used to accompany polyphonic music in the Middle Ages.

A canon is a musical composition that consists of two or more independent melodic lines.

A motet is a musical composition that consists of two or more melodic lines that are sung simultaneously.

A madrigal is a musical composition that consists of three or more melodic lines.

A chanson is a musical composition that consists of a simple melody with a repeated refrain.

The primary function of music in the Middle Ages was religious.

Troubadour music was the primary form of secular music in the Middle Ages.

Ars nova was the primary form of polyphonic music in the Middle Ages.

Gregorian chant was the primary form of monophonic music in the Middle Ages.

Guilds were the primary form of music education in the Middle Ages.