Discussion Questions
Short-essay questions, 150 words minimum per question. (70 points)
Post your answers in the Week #1 Discussions forum by Thursday morning.
Read at least three other students' answers and write a brief response to each. (30 points / 10 points each) Responses due by Sunday evening when the week closes.
1. Describe the role of the early Christian church in the music of the Middle Ages.
2. Briefly describe the shift in sources of political and artistic influence during the Middle Ages.
3. Renaissance means "rebirth." What was reborn during the Renaissance and what was the source of the inspiration for the Renaissance? Discuss.
4. Describe the change in attitude of Renaissance composers with regard to medieval authority and intricacy in composition. For example, what was the Renaissance attitude toward isorhythm?
5. How did the idea of expressiveness in music change from the medieval period to the Renaissance? What inspired this change?
6. Briefly describe how Baroque music differs from Renaissance music in terms of rhythm, meter, mode, and harmony. You can put your answer in chart form if you wish.
7. Explain why opera provided the perfect opportunity for individual emotional expression.