Final conclusions

Some similarities that appeared upon first listening were both have tenor soloists, unison moments, acapella moments, and generally constant dynamics, but the significant musical links that required greater in depth analysis were: 

1. Monophonic moments of melodic ostinati that were made up of conjunct rising and falling melodic sequences.

   • The rising and falling melodic sequences build tension and release as when the phrases rise, it begins to build tension, and as they fall, it begins to create a sense of resolution. The melodic ostinati uses repetition creating memorability, and the monophony delivers a simple message, that later gets embellished and developed as the music unfolds.                             

2. Moments of chordal texture with consonant harmonies in the major diatonic scale.

   • Extracts from both cultures were written in a time when diatonic harmonies were favoured. Aesthetically, none of the notes would clash, and the consonant harmonies were favoured over the clashing discordant harmonies that came at a later time. Thus, due to the harmonies being consonant, the purpose of both pieces of music, whether religious or secular, is to bring people together

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This investigation has taught me how cultural values and social contexts influence the way musical elements are used. For example, for common practice of memorability, ostinati are applied, whether melodically or rhythmically. Each extract contains monophony to deliver the message, and uses their own embellishments to further highlight or accentuate the meaning of certain words. Additionally, both cultures respect and cherish the idea of unity within their community, and thus, the use of chordal texture with consonant harmonies emphasizes this idea in any case, religious or secular.