English Music

In the earliest history of the English music, the various services of the church were sung in plainsong. As is implied by the very name, early English music was simple, unadorned melodious, solemn and ritualistic.



The simplicity of the music did not result in being any less interesting. On the contrary, the smoothly modulating lines of melody many a times resulted in the achievement of a certain remarkable beauty.

In fact, many composers have used most of the famous plainsong English music chants as the starting material for creating more complex works. A very famous example of this inspired piece of work is the compilation of the complex piece Mass for Four Voices by the composer William Byrd.

As the history of the English music progresses, it moved on to the Elizabethan court music. The Elizabethan court music featured music ranging from popular ballads to solemn church music. It also included some sophisticated music of the court. The Elizabethan era of the English music was varied and inventive, delightful and moving.

By the time the Shakespearean era dawned in the English music history, it was the time when the music of the Church, the Court, and the stage had moved on to sophistication and variety. It was capable of communicating myriad and varied set of moods. At this point of time, almost all the plays, be it comedies or tragedies, used music extensively to heighten the drama of the portrayal.

On the stage, the English music played a very important role. In fact there was a special structure built in above the stage called the musicians' gallery. There were many occasions when the music was played on the stage itself. There were other occasions when the music was played under the stage. This was done only to achieve an eerie effect.