The music that was composed and performed in the Middle Ages is referred to as Medieval Music. This music was composed and performed to serve both the religious aspect of life and the non-religious secular aspects, mainly to entertain. The composers of such music composed it in various ways, for example, vocal music for voice only, such as the Gregorian chant, which the monks performed, as well as the choral music performed by both the instruments and voices.
There are a variety of instruments that were used in the medieval period and are still used today. However, these instruments, due to the improvements in the field of technology, may sound quite different, but the concepts remain the same. For example, several devices have been tampered with in terms of melody and even how the keys are played. You will notice that, when played, they produce a slightly different voice. One of the instruments is the recorder, which led to the invention of the flute. Today as you look at the two instruments, you will realize that the flute has very complex key mechanisms as compared to the recorder covering the holes. Another one that was initially plucked in the dulcimer, but today, has metal strings that are stricken with a harmer to produce sound.
Lastly, most of the instruments in the medieval period had a thin texture. They were very rhythmic in character and had a repetitive quality, and the sounds made were very distinctive. These characteristics have been reversed repeatedly, making the music sound differently, giving a different mood in the songs.
