The Medieval era was a time of profound spiritual expression, and sacred music played a central role in religious life. Rooted in Christian traditions, this music evolved from simple, unaccompanied chants to intricate polyphonic compositions. Monastic communities and cathedral schools became key centers for musical innovation, with theorists and composers developing new systems of notation and harmony. This chapter explores the rich history, influential figures, and lasting impact of sacred music during this period.

Gregorian Chant 

• Sung in Latin with a calm, flowing style and no instruments.

• Monophonic, meaning it had just one melody with no harmonies.

• Often memorised rather than written down because music notation was still developing.

Song: Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)

Composer: Anonymous

Song: Rex Cæli (King Of The Heaven)

Composer: Anonymous

Song: Quant En Moy (When in me)

Composer: Guillaume de Machaut

Song: Nicholai Presulis (Saint Nicholas)

Composer: Anonymous

Song: Kyrie - Orbis Factor (Lord, Have Mercy - Creator of the world) from Gradual of Eleanor of Brittany

Composer: Anonymous

Part 2 - Sacred Music In The Medieval Era

Organum

• An early form of polyphony, meaning multiple melodies are sung together.

• Organum started by adding a second melodic line to Gregorian Chant, creating richer sound layers.

Conductus

• A sacred song where all voices move together in the same rhythm, called homo-rhythm.

Motet

• A complex vocal form with multiple melodies sung at the same time.

• Originally used for church music, it later became popular in secular music too.

Mass

• A structured religious service featuring five key sections each with its own unique style of music:

  • Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy) - A plea for mercy

  • Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest) - A hymn of praise

  • Credo (I Believe) - A statement of Christian faith

  • Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) - A song of holiness

  • Agnus Dei (Lamb Of God) - A plea for peace and forgiveness

• The music was mostly single melodic lines called chants, with little harmony. Later, early polyphony like organum - where a second voice was added to the chant - began to appear but was still simple. Rhythm was free and not steady, focusing on clearly singing the sacred texts for worship.

Key Terms to Remember:

• Monophony: Music with a single melodic line.

• Polyphony: Music with two or more independent melodies played or sung at the same time.

• Homorhythm: When all parts of the music move together in the same rhythm.

Cantigas

• Sacred cantigas were religious songs from medieval Spain and Portugal, written in Galician-Portuguese during the 13th century. The most famous collection is the Cantigas de Santa Maria, compiled under King Alfonso X of Castile (also known as Alfonso the Wise).

• These cantigas were monophonic (single melody line) and praised the Virgin Mary, often telling stories of her miracles - like healing the sick, saving sailors, or helping the poor. Some cantigas expressed devotion, while others narrated dramatic or even humorous miracle tales.

• Though religious in theme, these songs were performed outside the church in courtly settings, festivals, or processions, making them a bridge between sacred and secular traditions. Their melodies were catchy and simple, often accompanied by instruments, which made them easy to remember and sing.

Song: Rosa Das Rosas (Roses of Roses), No. 10 from Cantiga de Santa Maria

Composer: Alfonso X