8-4Music

//Answered by Ben W.//** Music was a very important part of many people's lives in the Elizabethan Era of England as it was a major form of entertainment. Most upper and middle class families were able to recruit servants who were capable of playing at least one musical instrument; however, it was not uncommon for a noble or wealthy person to know how to play instruments. Elizabethan musical instruments can be grouped into four categories: Stringed instruments (instruments that can be picked or bowed, such as a lute ), Wind instruments (instruments that require to be blown on, such as a trumpet or flute), Percussion instruments (sundry forms of drums and bells),and Keyboard instruments like the organ and harpsichord. The lute, the most popular instrument of its time, had a long neck and several strings, not far off from modern acoustic guitars. They produced a sweet, relaxing melody that many found appealing. Organs were frequently found in churches.
 * What were popular forms of music and musical instruments in Elizabethan England?

To give you an idea of what the lute sounds like, here is a clip of a lute being played: media type="youtube" key="V_K5zRA2APo" height="344" width="425"

Elizabethan music is remembered specifically for its steady rhythms and polyphony (multiple independent melodies playing at the same time). Songs sung usually comprised of four separate melodies- bass, tenor, alto, and soprano. The numerous melodies at once makes for beautiful, multi-layered, and thick sound. The popularity of polyphonies would later lead to the creation of the Baroque Era in the 17th century, which, among other things, emphasized grandeur in music. Many of William Shakespeare's musical contemporaries, such as Henry Purcell (a revered Baroque-Era music composer) and many other composers are still very famous to this day.

One of the most common places for the average citizen to hear music was the church. Organs frequently accompanied the choirs as they sang- only adding to the chruchgoing experience. The music played in churches was called choral polyphony. However, church was not the only place to hear music. Town musicians called "waits" would frequently play their instruments (often flutes) at public and social gatherings.

Music was also very important in theatre. Most plays were divided into three categories- Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories. Each category demands a different emotional ambiance- a comedy might require lighthearted and fun music, whereas a tragedy might require slightly more solemn music. Henceforth, music was often used as a way to further the experience of going to the theatre- the dimension of sound can drastically improve a production. Works Cited Unknown Author, "Elizabethan Theatre Music." 7 Apr 2009 [].

Unknown Author, "Shakespeare and Music." Web.2 Apr 2009. <[]>.

Naylor, Edward N.. //Shakespeare and Music//. London: 2006. Print.