Music in the Elizabethan Era, or Elizabethan Music, refers to music during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the I (1533–1603), oft titled The Golden Age of English History. It was a period in which English music was developed to a level that commanded respect from the rest of Western Civilization. After Elizabeth I's death, English music maintained its level of accomplishment for a short while, and fell off (largely after the Revolution) with the change of styles leading to the 'early baroque' period.
During the era, most noblemen employed their own musicians and took lessons from them in playing the Lute and music literacy. Those in the rising middle classes employed music teachers. Music, which had been printed since the middle of the 16th century was becoming available at booksellers' shops at a reasonable price; such books included theory books, collections of music for voice and instruments or instruments alone, and instructional books, primarily for the lute.
The lute was the most popular of the early instruments. It had a long neck and strings of twisted sheepgut. It made a sweet melody that was appealing to the ears of many.
Elizabethan Music was known for its steady rhythm and its polyphony, which is a main theme that is established then played in more complex ways. Songs sung included a four to five part harmony with multiple melodies weaving throughout one another, similar to baroque music. It was also known for its reflection of moods and emotion. As musicianship during the 16th century was popular and widespread, it was broken down into five main categories: church music, court music, town music, street music and theatre music.
Read more about Music In The Elizabethan Era: Religion, Queen Elizabeth, Musicians, Composers, Instruments
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