At the Battle of Tours near Poitiers, France, Frankish leader Charles Martel, a Christian, defeated a large army of Islamic colonists and raiders, halting the Muslim advance into Western Europe. Abdul Rahman, the Muslim governor of Cordoba, was killed in the fighting, and the Islamic army retreated from Gaul, never to return in such force.
Charles was the illegitimate son of Pepin, the powerful mayor of the palace of Austrasia and effective ruler of the Frankish kingdom. After Pepin died in 714 (with no surviving legitimate sons), Charles beat out Pepin's three grandsons in a power struggle and became Mayor of the Palace. He expanded the Frankish territory under his control and in 732 repulsed an onslaught by the Muslims.
Victory at Tours helped to lead to the rise of a new ruling dynasty, made up of Martel's family, the Carolingians. His son Pepin became the first Carolingian king of the Franks, and his grandson Charlemagne carved out a vast empire that stretched across Europe.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Gregorian Chant Extra-Credit Guidelines
Gregorian Chant Extra-Credit Guidelines
1. Please compose a piece in the Gregorian melodic style (based on information from the site posted).
2. Music should set a complete Psalm text in either english or latin.
3. Music should be in a simple, chant-style rhythm.
4. Music should follow the feel of the text.
5. Music should be written in a mode other than Ionian or Locrian. That means it should include the notes of the scales (see 'mode' link) and should start and end on the first note of the scale you using. (i.e. Dorian=start and end on the note D)
6. Should be handed in on sheet music, with text clearly marked, and lined up with notations.
7. Music should include both syllabic and melismatic melody.
Extra Credit Value: 150 points for a perfect assignment, or 250 points if the piece meets guidelines and is sung, by a (well-rehearsed!) duo or group, in class.
1. Please compose a piece in the Gregorian melodic style (based on information from the site posted).
2. Music should set a complete Psalm text in either english or latin.
3. Music should be in a simple, chant-style rhythm.
4. Music should follow the feel of the text.
5. Music should be written in a mode other than Ionian or Locrian. That means it should include the notes of the scales (see 'mode' link) and should start and end on the first note of the scale you using. (i.e. Dorian=start and end on the note D)
6. Should be handed in on sheet music, with text clearly marked, and lined up with notations.
7. Music should include both syllabic and melismatic melody.
Extra Credit Value: 150 points for a perfect assignment, or 250 points if the piece meets guidelines and is sung, by a (well-rehearsed!) duo or group, in class.
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