This book is a history of the early musical life of the Parisian cathedral of Notre Dame. All aspects of the musical establishment of Notre Dame are covered, from Merovingian times to the period of the wars of religion in France. Nine discrete essays discuss the history of Parisian chant and liturgy and the pattern and structure of the cathedral services in the late Middle Ages; Notre Dame polyphony and the composers most closely associated with the cathedral, among them Leoninus, Perotinus and Philippe de Vitry; the organ and its repertoire; the choir, the musical education and performing...

Combining outstanding listening pedagogy with cutting-edge digital resources, THE ESSENTIAL LISTENING TO MUSIC (with Download Card), 2e inspires a lifelong appreciation of music. In this streamlined and succinct book, scholar and master-teacher Craig Wright discusses musical examples from each historical period within its social context--giving you a sense of a piece's construction as well as its historical and cultural meaning. A wide range of resources help you sharpen your listening skills, including online Listening Exercises for most pieces in the book, streaming music, computer-enhanced...