Music of the Elizabethan Era

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The Elizabethan era was a time where music and the arts flourished. The culture of its people was heavily influenced by Queen Elizabeth herself. Her appreciation for arts inspired a wave of creative artistry. The development of classical music during the time of Queen Elizabeth and her court would have been fascinating and beautiful. Music was a part of every class in the Elizabethan era, especially in Nobility. According to Suzanne Lord, author of Music from the Age of Shakespeare, music was considered one of the many standards of conduct, and that classes were offered to students of every age level. Linda Alchin of www.Elizabethan-era.org.uk also said that it was encouraged that every person should be able to perform an instrument and read music on sight. Both Noble and Middle classes would hire at least one servant who could play an instrument and entertain the house during dinners and parties. Music in the lower classes was harder to come by, because of financial problems. Even then, street music was considered some of the best music of the time. There were five different types of Elizabethan music: church, court, street, town, and theater, explained by Linda Alchin. The importance of music to the people could be shown by Shakespeare, who made over 500 musical references in his plays. Songs were often played to accompany poems and plays. The music would represent the mood of the play, and musicians would sit in a gallery above the stage. Music to be in the court was very popular. Composers would often write a piece in the name of a nobleman, and then give it to them as a gift. Others would try to catch the eye of the Queen, who was always on the hunt for new music. Church music and court music of often composed by the same musicians. It was often vocal, and many hymns are still played today. Travelling street musicians were rare, due to the fear of spreading

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