The Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2 is an authoritative and comprehensive collection that encompasses the rich tapestry of Western musical traditions from the Middle Ages to the present day. This anthology serves as an invaluable resource for music educators, scholars, and students alike, providing a profound understanding of the evolution of musical forms, styles, and their profound impact on society and culture.
Volume 2 delves into the intricacies of musical periods and styles, from the Renaissance to the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. It features an extensive selection of musical works from renowned composers, offering a comprehensive overview of each period’s unique characteristics and influences.
Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2 Overview
The Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2 is a comprehensive collection of Western music from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. First published in 1960, it has become a standard resource for music students, scholars, and performers. The anthology includes over 1,000 musical works from a wide range of composers, including Josquin des Prez, Palestrina, Monteverdi, and Bach.
Editorial Approach and Organization
The Norton Anthology of Western Music is organized chronologically, with each volume covering a specific period of music history. Volume 2 covers the Renaissance and Baroque periods, from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The anthology is divided into seven parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of music during this period.
Musical Periods and Styles: Norton Anthology Of Western Music Volume 2
Volume 2 of the Norton Anthology of Western Music includes music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Renaissance period (c. 1400-1600) was a time of great innovation in music, with the development of polyphony and the emergence of new musical forms such as the madrigal and the motet.
The Baroque period (c. 1600-1750) saw the rise of opera and the development of new instrumental forms such as the concerto and the sonata.
Examples of Composers and Works
- Renaissance: Josquin des Prez (“Missa Pange lingua”), Palestrina (“Missa Papae Marcelli”)
- Baroque: Monteverdi (“Orfeo”), Bach (“Brandenburg Concertos”)
Musical Forms and Genres
Volume 2 of the Norton Anthology of Western Music includes a wide variety of musical forms and genres, including sacred and secular vocal music, instrumental music, and opera. Some of the most important forms and genres represented in the anthology include:
Sacred Vocal Music
- Mass
- Motet
- Madrigal
Secular Vocal Music
- Chanson
- Lied
- Madrigal
Instrumental Music
- Ricercar
- Canzona
- Toccata
Opera
- Orfeo (Monteverdi)
- Dido and Aeneas (Purcell)
- Rinaldo (Handel)
Musical Instruments and Performance Practices
Volume 2 of the Norton Anthology of Western Music includes music for a wide variety of musical instruments, including voices, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The anthology also provides information on the development and evolution of these instruments, as well as the performance practices associated with them.
Examples of Instruments and Performance Practices, Norton anthology of western music volume 2
- Voices: The human voice was the most important musical instrument during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Singers were expected to be able to sing in a variety of styles, including polyphony, monody, and recitative.
- Strings: The violin, viola, cello, and double bass were all developed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These instruments were used in a variety of ensembles, including string quartets, string orchestras, and chamber orchestras.
- Woodwinds: The flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon were all developed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These instruments were used in a variety of ensembles, including woodwind quintets, woodwind orchestras, and chamber orchestras.
- Brass: The trumpet, trombone, and tuba were all developed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These instruments were used in a variety of ensembles, including brass quintets, brass bands, and chamber orchestras.
- Percussion: The drums, cymbals, and tambourine were all used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These instruments were used to provide rhythm and accompaniment to other instruments.
FAQ Resource
What is the purpose of the Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2?
The Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2 provides a comprehensive overview of Western musical traditions from the Middle Ages to the present day, serving as an invaluable resource for music educators, scholars, and students.
What musical periods and styles are covered in Volume 2?
Volume 2 covers a wide range of musical periods and styles, including the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras.
How is the anthology organized?
The anthology is organized chronologically, with each section dedicated to a specific musical period or style. Each section includes an introduction, musical examples, and analytical commentary.
What are the pedagogical applications of the Norton Anthology of Western Music Volume 2?
The anthology can be used in a variety of educational settings, including music history courses, music theory courses, and performance classes. It provides a rich resource for lesson plans, assignments, and research projects.
