Question

Guillaume de Machaut was a famous musician and poet. His most influential work was the Notre Dame Mass. Listen to the recording of La Messe de Nostre Dame (or the Notre Dame Mass) by Machaut. Remember that the medieval Mass Ordinary consisted of texts that are similar to those used in a modern mass. Listen to the recording of this work, and then read the text of the mass here. What are the five sung

prayers of the Mass Ordinary? For each of the sung prayers, describe the musical style and its influence on the listener.

Answer 1

The Mass Ordinary consisted of five standard prayers recited every day: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. The Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei are short prayers. These short prayers were sung using expressive melismas (many musical notes sung to each syllable of the text). However, the Gloria and Credo are longer prayers and were sung in a recital style (one musical note sung per syllable of text).

La Messe de Nostre Dame exhibits both musical unity and disjunction. The first three movements are in dorian mode while the remaining are in F mode. The Gloria and Credo use a terse, homophonic style, with expansive "Amens" to conclude them. The other movements use isorhythmic motets with repetitive rhythmic structure, tenor melodies, and repetitions in other voices. These movements also make use of complex contrapuntal devices. The movements are moving and relaxing, and they offer a sense of profundity. They were composed to be both emotionally and spiritually uplifting.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The Mass Ordinary consisted of five standard prayers recited every day: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. The Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei are short prayers. These short prayers were sung using expressive melismas (many musical notes sung to each syllable of the text). However, the Gloria and Credo are longer prayers and were sung in a recital style (one musical note sung per syllable of text).

La Messe de Nostre Dame exhibits both musical unity and disjunction. The first three movements are in dorian mode while the remaining are in F mode. The Gloria and Credo use a terse, homophonic style, with expansive "Amens" to conclude them. The other movements use isorhythmic motets with repetitive rhythmic structure, tenor melodies, and repetitions in other voices. These movements also make use of complex contrapuntal devices. The movements are moving and relaxing, and they offer a sense of profundity. They were composed to be both emotionally and spiritually uplifting.

Step-by-step explanation: