During the Medieval times, which took place between 400 and 1430, Western notation was first created to record music. However, commoners music which was created without being notated was lost. Lyrics and melodies were first introduced such as polyphony. It excites me and interests me that subtle and simple music was created because it was the very beginning of the creation and notation of music. I expect this music to lack layering and range of pitch due to the fact that it was the first ever music created.
I decided to listen to Hildegard of Bingens (1098–1179) music. The piece named ”Voices of Angels – Voices of Ascension” sounded a lot like what the textbook described it to be. Most of the music contained one single voice without any background noises or layering. The sound of the singers voice was subtle and remained mainly the same high pitch throughout the piece. There was one single singer for the entire piece, who sang slowly and gracefully.
I agree as to how exciting it is seeing simple and subtle music, progress into the music we have today. Just as you said I am sure it lacked layering and pitch since people from the Medieval times did not have the technology we have today to better advance music. I also found it interesting how commoners music which was created without being notated was lost, because we could of had a wider variety of music today if that did not happen.
Hey! When I heard this same piece of music that you have chosen, I noticed different voices towards the half an hour point. I am unsure if that is the way that it was made, but I feel like there is more than one singer, but it goes unnoticed due to the same pace and same soft voice. The other singers in this piece of music also sing along the same way as the first singer is singing, so that is why you can not really tell. Otherwise, this specific piece of music really sounds like church music. The singers had a very calm and beautiful voice and I also agree to how exciting such pieces of music can be.