Why Were There So Many Dissonances in Music from the Middle Ages, Such as Pérotin’s ‘Alleluia Nativitas’?

When exploring the compositions of the Middle Ages, such as the famous piece by Pérotin titled Alleluia Nativitas, one finds a significant amount of dissonance within the music. However, when approached through the lens of modern 21st-century ears and contemporary theories of harmony, much of what we hear as dissonance might sound quite consonant in the context of medieval music. This article delves into the possible reasons behind the frequent use of dissonance in medieval music, examining cultural, practical, and aesthetic considerations.

Speculative Propositions for Dissonance in Medieval Music

Since the composers of the Middle Ages are long gone, any explanation for the presence of so much dissonance in their music is purely speculative. Nonetheless, a few possibilities can be proposed to stimulate further research and discussion:

1. Cultural Tradition

One explanation could be the tradition of the time, where there was an expectation that music should adhere to certain conventions. Composers might have employed dissonance to conform to these expected norms, as this was often the standard practice within their musical culture. Much like in any form of art, continuity and adherence to established practices played a significant role.

2. Arousing Attention

Dissonance might have been used as a tool to capture and maintain the attention of listeners who were used to more uninflected melodies and sermons. The unexpected and unconventional nature of dissonance could have heightened the audience's engagement in their worship and performance.

3. Explicating Religious Concepts

Another possibility is that dissonance was employed to musically convey the complex and often gritty aspects of sin and redemption in Christian contexts. By using dissonance, medieval composers could vividly represent the tension, conflict, and complexity inherent in their religious themes, thus providing a richer and more meaningful auditory experience for their congregations.

4. Annotating Inadvertent Dissonance

Dissonance might have been deliberately inserted to counteract what composers perceived as unintentional dissonance resulting from imperfect instrument tunings, poorly trained voices, and other practical limitations of the time. This could have been an attempt to create a more polished and harmonious sound, despite the suboptimal conditions.

5. Auditory Diet

There is also the possibility that people simply enjoyed the novelty and variety introduced by dissonance. Just like today’s audiences might appreciate the unique soundscapes of contemporary music, medieval audiences might have welcomed the contrasting and unconventional sounds for its own sake. In a period where music was less standardized, the presence of these dissonances might have been part of the appeal.

What You Call Dissonance Might Be Consonance for Somebody Else

The term dissonance in music is inherently subjective, with each musical culture having its unique understanding of what constitutes a dissonance. Not only does this understanding vary from one culture to another, but it also evolves over time. What was considered consonant in one era might be viewed as dissonant in another. This concept challenges our modern notions of what is harmonious and unique.

Modern Tuning and Dissonance

Today, when modern listeners encounter the early music of Johann Sebastian Bach played in the tuning system of his time, they often perceive it as dissonant. Our current equal temperament system, which aims for equal spacing between all notes, often introduces dissonances compared to the natural overtone series. However, because we have grown accustomed to this tuning, we now consider it the norm.

Complexity and Loss of Subtlety

While the equal temperament system allows for much more complex harmonies and easier modulations, it also comes with the trade-off of losing some of the subtlety and nuance inherent in other tuning systems. The choice of tuning can significantly shape the character and expressiveness of a piece of music.

The Evolution of Music History

Through the lens of historical research, we are continually striving to recreate the sounds of medieval music more accurately. While perfect recreation remains unattainable, we are getting closer to understanding and appreciating the nuances of medieval music. In my personal view, medieval music is beautiful and deeply expressive, capturing the emotions and visions of the time it was composed. The innovations and genius of medieval composers paved the way for the rich musical landscape of the following centuries, and figures like Pérotin stand out as exemplars of this era.

Resonance of Pérotin’s ‘Alleluia Nativitas’

While the piece may not be defined purely by its dissonances, its complex and nuanced use of harmonies resonates with both modern and historical perspectives. The absence of strict dissonance does not imply a lack of tension; rather, it might be perceived more as varying levels of emotional and harmonic tension. The use of dissonance in medieval music, as in any art form, should be understood within the context and culture in which it was created.

Open your ears and explore the beauty of medieval music for yourself. Embrace the diversity of tonal palettes and let your sense of wonder and appreciation guide you through the rich tapestry of this musical era.