Music in the Age of the Renaissance

Rating:
Summary: The Only Renaissance Music Reference Book You Will Ever Need
Review: Leeman Perkins is a reknowned musicologist. His text is quite wordy, but if there is anything dealing with this era of music that you want to know about, look no further than this book. Of course, Renaissance musicology is ever evolving. New discoveries occur all the time. Just six years ago, the birth date ofJosquin des Prez was adjusted from 1440 to 1450 thanks to the investigations of musicologists. Another words this or any other book on Renaissance music, could be dated in ten years.

I like the organization of the book in to three parts chronologically. The transition from the Medieval Period to the Renaissance Period and its causes are discussed thoroughly. Notation is discussed (nearly 100 pages on Renaissance music theory). Fixed forms (chanson) are discussed, as well as the Mass and motet forms. Major composers, minor composers, instrumental music, Counter-Reformation reforms (Council of Trent) are all thoroughly discussed.

A great addition to the musicians library.