History of Medieval and Renaissance Music
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Survey of music history from antiquity to the Renaissance with in-depth analysis of select case studies
Expected learning outcomes
Study of the cultural role of music in our history and critical assessment of the current approaches to musical performance
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
"Monteverdi back/forward"
Monteverdi's music serves as a pivotal bridge between the ancient and the modern. The history of music prior to Monteverdi will be explored with a focus on those aspects that help illuminate the key role he played in his time and the enduring legacy he has left to this day.
Monteverdi's music serves as a pivotal bridge between the ancient and the modern. The history of music prior to Monteverdi will be explored with a focus on those aspects that help illuminate the key role he played in his time and the enduring legacy he has left to this day.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of music theory (which may be acquired during the semester).
Teaching methods
Lecture format.
Teaching Resources
A: Online handouts (website indicated below) on music theory and Italian metrics.
B: Davide Daolmi, 'Storia della musica: Dalle origini al Seicento' (Firenze: Le Monnier, 2019).
C: Online materials available on the instructor's website: https://www.examenapium.it/daolmi/#meri
Additional bibliography for non-attending students:
'The Cambridge Companion to Monteverdi', a cura di John Whenham, Richard Wistreich (Cambridge: University press, 2007).
B: Davide Daolmi, 'Storia della musica: Dalle origini al Seicento' (Firenze: Le Monnier, 2019).
C: Online materials available on the instructor's website: https://www.examenapium.it/daolmi/#meri
Additional bibliography for non-attending students:
'The Cambridge Companion to Monteverdi', a cura di John Whenham, Richard Wistreich (Cambridge: University press, 2007).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The 6-credit exam excludes chapters 1 and 6 of the textbook (Part B). The bibliography in Part C is supplementary and mandatory only for non-attending students. — The exam, for everyone, consists of an oral interview in which the candidate must present, in addition to the required syllabus, a personal in-depth study related to the history of music before 1600, prepared using texts selected by the candidate and different from those used in the course.
Modules or teaching units
Unita' didattica A
L-ART/07 - MUSICOLOGY AND HISTORY OF MUSIC - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ART/07 - MUSICOLOGY AND HISTORY OF MUSIC - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ART/07 - MUSICOLOGY AND HISTORY OF MUSIC - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)