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Biography
Born in Cambria, Guillaume Dufay was a musician whose impact cannot be overlooked, as he is one of the few renowned performers of the 1550s. Dufay initial singing career began with his participation in a choir. Later as he developed in his career, he was considered as the best composer of his times, making him very famous and influential in the world of music. Using a contemporary approach, Dufay’s music marked a permanent revolution touching on every existing genre of music that had been established within the given period (Kallen 72). Many sources talk of him, as an apprentice though his early life is not very well documented. Dufay was the most famous composer in Europe with great and all time compositions such as Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys.
Dufay received his musical training at the Cathedral School of Cambrai, under the instruction of Bishop Pierre d’Ailly who also held the Chancellor’s position in the University of Paris. Dufay’s stay in Savoy accorded him a degree in law from the prestigious University of Turin. Following this, Dufay became a canon as he had also received a canonicate award from Cambria. Note that, it was this form of exposure to the church that supported Dufay in terms of effectuality towards creating musical content and other writings such as liturgies and other musical works. Dufay was all rounded in terms of musical information and resources owing to his numerous connections with the Burgundian court.
It was not until 1428 that his musical career begun taking course when he joined the Papal becoming a member for close to five years then later leaving the choir and venturing into a solo. Dufay became well established through out France in the 1430s, interacting with well established singers and composers within the music industry. During this period, Dufay had attained a doctor of canon law and therefore, his counsel was sought after on various ecclesiastical events (Ambrosini and Michael 11). In addition, Dufay had become a household name in his home town of Cambria; he was an affluent individual and he decided to settle in Cambria after establishing his solo singing profession.
Dufay was largely celebrated for his simple music, comprising of very beautiful melodies and clear harmonic sensations. His compositions branded him as a diverse music composer with a very wide range of musical assortment ranging from religious melodies, secular songs, to isorhythmic motets performed and meant for special occasions Dufay’s compositions depicted a full mastery of writing and an admirable control of melody in his music. In fact, it was impossible to accord a specific or particular individual style in his works as the music took different angles foe varied purposes.
Dufay’s Significance and Contribution in Music
Dufay is considered as one of the principals responsible for inaugurating renaissance in music (Ambrosini and Michael 69). Dufay is honored for the role he played in enhancing Italian music, where he is associated with notable influence he had on the musical life of active Italians by incorporating ideas that changed and intrigued known composers during the given time. This change instituted sanity in Italy’s musical class, a factor that many felt was the efforts of the young Dufay. His smooth flowing melodies were more appealing compared to the intricate musical touch of the past medieval period. This accorded Dufay ascendancy as he changed the course Italian music to a better level of presentation in terms of appeal.
Dufay is remembered in his role as a significant link acting between the Medieval and Rebirth periods. For instance, he created of one of the most popular melodies, L’homme armé. This is roughly translated to mean that, every man should arm himself against some threat that is not mentioned in the work. Dufay is also credited for infusing professionalism in the music arena and creating a flexible form of music writing in the practice of music compositions in Europe, more specifically in Italy where he resided (Kallen 114). His works have been used diversely used in musical studies in countries where polyphony is practiced. While in Italy, most of Dufay’s compositions were secular with a few of the songs actually done in Italian. The rest of his works are mostly in French since at the given period it acted as the most recognized and venerated language.
Dufay’s music was very influential in the enhancement of the polyphonic style and therefore his pieces were highly practiced in locations where the given technique noted prominence. He contributed greatly to the current development of music notably in changing musical patterns. Composers all over copied numerous aspects of his works with his style being endorsed by subsequent generations. Dufay is most respected for his mastery in the various forms of musical work he incorporated in his writing; this is reflected in composed masses, chansons, and motets, in a smooth and careful harmonic style (NHCS, 2011).
Dufay’s expertise in vocal works gave him a remarkable platform in the musical arena. It is noted that his music did not encompass the use of instruments since he successfully adopted the three voice vocal range in his works with a remarkable talent. Besides being highly talented, Dufay’s was also very intelligent and highly educated. This partly serves as the reason why he had such a remarkable success in his musical profession that transformed the direction of the conservative composing method into a more flexible approach. Dufay spent most of his time writing, masses liturgies, and Italian ballates.
Musical development has ascended since the late 1930s, beginning with the medieval period when vocals and tone took precedence in music. These changed and a few musical instruments were added to the art in a periods1400 and1600. This actually marked the renaissance period, which in literal terms means rebirth owing to such developments as evidenced by Dufay, the pillar of the changes experienced today by writers allover the world (Li, 2011). Dufay’s critical intelligence supported effectual style incorporation that is still present in today’s music industry; the style has adopted Dufay’s approach of integrating more art than music in any performances.
The composer emphasized on the presentation of musical work other than the input. Although at the initial period the given contributions were held as little causes, they fashioned a major new approach within the musical field. Many musicians and music composers solely depended on the innovative approach that placed music as an art that was perceived in varying different dimensions, a proof that growth potential and technological progression largely fostered musicality.
With Dufay’s experience stemming from the church and academic backing, he was able to modify musical setups that are still employed in polyphonic musical compositions. Note that, in the middle ages, musical instruments were used for both vocal music and independent instrumental music (Li, 2011). The introduction of country love as infused by Dufay played a major role in the revolution of musical composition. The English middle age music was influenced by the publicized crusade of Arab songs and the backing of medieval nobles. The growth of Christianity was what led to the introduction of secular music as well. This type of music was initially presented in unison on key C, with the notes comprising of the same length and with time it was slowly accepted in the twelfth century.
In conclusion, the renaissance musical period can be traced back to the 1400s to 1600s when major changes were experienced in the musical scene. This acted as a notable shift from the ancient styles of music compositions (NHCS, 2011). In the given era, the spirit of arts works depicted independence and much autonomy that relieved future composers of the ancient troubled forms of compositions. This creativity helped artists to overcome the strict writing ways of the previous periods, especially the medieval era. The given developments were influenced by Dufay in the musical reconstruction period. His endeavors have offered lasting musical findings and his views have been conceptualized by other composers towards creating remarkable changes and refinements in the same field.
Following the fact that changes in musical periods are a gradual and lengthy process careful research has been done to prove the credibility of the given events (Li, 2011). Additionally, the increased utilization of musical instruments accompanying singers presently is attributable to the second music revolution period that primarily centered on the outlined milestones infused by Dufay.
Works Cited
Ambrosini, Armand, and Michael Lee. Introduction to Western Concert Music. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2003. Print.
Kallen, Stuart. The History of Classical Music. Farmington Hills: Lucent Books, 2002. Print.
Li, Anna. Honors World History. 2011. Web. 9 Oct 2011.
NHCS. Renaissance Musicians. 2011. Web. 9 Oct 2011.
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