Let’s break down some genres of sacred and secular music. First, let’s define the two. You will learn what they are and what the difference is. After that, let’s go over a few genres.
Let’s break down the genres of sacred and secular music
Spiritual Music
Spiritual music is designed to heal the soul. This kind of music is mostly used during services in churches. That is why some people call it church music. Here is a small list of genres:
Liturgy – an Easter or Christmas service. Performed by the choir, and may additionally include individual soloists. As a rule in the liturgical drama, various scenes of events from the scriptures were inserted. Elements of theatricality were often used.
An antiphon is repetitive music performed by alternating several choral groups. For example, the same verses may be sung alternately to two countenances. Antiphons come in several varieties. For example, festive (on feast days), sedentary (Sunday), all-day, and so on.
Rondel is created on an original melody in the form of a special form with a consecutive vocal introduction on the same motif.
Proprium – part of the Mass, modified according to the church calendar.
Ordinarium – the unvarying part of the Mass.
Secular Music
Secular music is recognized as showing the national character of different cultures. It mainly described the main image and life of the common man. This type of music was very common among itinerant musicians in the Middle Ages.
Often such wayfarers performed at the courts of kings, in castles of feudal lords and in the streets for the common people. Among the musicians there were many jugglers, who were very much liked by the people and the nobility.
Here are the main genres of secular music:
Guillard – a pronounced rhythmic pattern with a moderately fast tempo. Can be a separate clavier song or part of an instrumental cycle.
Ballad – we talked about it above.
Villancico – Italian ballad with poetic text.
That’s it!
Now you know what genres of music are, what they are for, and what they are.