Jazz Articles about The Hilliard Ensemble

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The Hilliard Ensemble: Thomas Tallis / Christopher Tye / John Sheppard: Audivi Vocem

by C. Michael Bailey
July 16, 2008

How did the ancient monophony of Gregorian Chant evolve into the Renaissance polyphony of the 16th Century English Church? A bit of background is helpful. Musically speaking, monophony is the simplest of aural expression which consists of a melody without accompanying harmony. Music where all the notes sung are in unison is termed monophonic. The earliest monophony had its roots in the 6th Century in the form of the plainsong or plainchant.

The Gregorian chant is a variety of plainchant ...