A Brief History of Western Music
Mass
The mass is the most important service in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic church. Composers throughout history set the prayers of the mass to music. This began in the Middle Ages (with monophonic/Gregorian chants) and continued into the Renaissance era. By then, composers were creating polyphonic settings of the mass.
The mass consists of two parts: the Mass Proper and the Mass Ordinary. The Mass Proper consists of prayers which are only performed on certain days (e.g. Haec dies is performed during Easter). Conversely, the Mass Ordinary consists of prayers
The Reformation and the Council of Trent
One of the most important events in Western history is the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church, threatened by the defection of many European countries to the Protestant faith, held a special council, called the Council of Trent. Held from 1545 to 1563, the Council addressed many issues, one of which was liturgical music. The Council condemned the use of secular texts in Church music, and banned any music that was "lascivious or impure". They also recommended that the text of the music always be clear and audible, and that displays of virtuosity should be avoided. The impact of these decisions are seen in the works of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525 - 1594), especially in his mass, Missa Papae Marcelli.
which are performed regardless of the date. Composers would often write polyphonic musical settings for the entire Mass Ordinary.
Martin Luther, the priest to whom the start of the Protestant Reformation is attributed. The Council of Trent was a reaction to this movement.
Missa Papae Marcelli
Missa Papae Marcelli ("Pope Marcellus Mass"), composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, is a musical setting of the Mass Ordinary. This mass perfectly reflects the decisions and condemnations of the Council of Trent. Below, you can listen to Agnus Dei I from the mass:
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Even though the mass is written for six voices, the text is relatively audible. No secular texts are used; the music is completely spiritual. In addition, the melodies in each voice are simple and do not display overt virtuosity. This piece makes Palestrina's devotion to the Catholic Church very clear.