ET, Bach and other stuff

[PianoTek4u@AOL.COM]

Sorry for the delay in continuing this discussion due to my work schedule.

In response to Ron's statement about the medieval modes, the major-minor 
modal equivalents were indeed known in the Middle Ages and were called the 
Hypodorian and Hypolydian modes respectively and by the 16th century, the 
Aeolian and Ionian modes.  

Ed Foote is most correct in his discussion of the organ as both hydraulic and 
portative organs were used in the Classical Period.  Furthermore, his mention 
of English choirs using pure thirds had profound repercussions in the 14th 
and 15th centuries on the Burgundian School of composers.   The close 
alliance of England and Burgundy (with ultimately tragic consequences at the 
end of the Hundred Years War) inspired the composers in the area of Burgundy 
to compose in a style known as fauxbourdon, the etymology of which is still 
uncertain.   In essence, music was written in a progression of sixths with 
octaves interspersed and with the phrase always ending on an octave.  In 
performance, an unnotated third part was added which was a fourth below the 
treble voice.   The English style had the main melodic interest in the middle 
or lower voice while the Burgundians moved it to the treble.  It should be 
noted that the Burgundian "School" was not a school per se, but rather a 
style of music composition particular to the area of Burgundy and patronized 
by the resplendent court of Philip the Good (r. 1419-1467).

For anyone interested in a text on music history, the Grout/Palisca A HISTORY 
OF WESTERN MUSIC  should provide an informative and enjoyable read.

Enjoy!

AGB