Humanities Study Guide

Humanities Study Guide

Johann Sebastian Bach was very influential and is still held in high regard by many musicians. He originated from Germany and is best known for two techniques that he developed, the counterpoint and the basso continuo . The counterpoint is a combination of two or more melodies of equal importance. The basso continuo was a change from the usual way a bass linewas written. Before Bach, the bass line would double the melody. Bach instead used the bass line as a support for the other sounds, differing greatly from the melody. Bach wrote various choral arrangements, including cantatas, or choral pieces for the church. He is known for creating musical terms such as ritornello, which was used to highlight the melody , prelude or beginning, and tonic , the root or key of the music. He created the new scale, which we use to this day, consisting of seven intervals between eight notes. We now know this as an octave. 7.2 New Sciences and New Ideas Philosophy The scientific revolution was taking place throughout the 1600s, and a new method of thought emerged in a predominantly Christian world. Experiments and mathematical calculations were used to discover new truths about the world. The result was the emergence of the Scientific method. Some notable discoveries of the time gave momentum to the world of modern science. Johannes Kepler proved that planets move in elliptical orbits. William Harvey used mathematical theory to discover how blood moves throughout the body. Galileo Galilei discovered moons in the solar system and further worked to disprove inaccurate astronomical assumptions. Nicolaus Copernicus proposed a heliocentric theory, which stated that the Sun was the center of the universe, and the planets moved around it. Isaac Newton made famous and life-changing discoveries about gravity. Philosophers, like Rene Descartes, theorized about the rational mind, with the simple phrase: “ I think; therefore, I am.” Two significant ways of thinking surfaced called deduction and induction. Deduction is discovering truth through logical calculation. Induction is reasoning through understanding facts and observing the world. Theater There were new conventions in the theater world during this time period. In France, all plays had to have five acts, obey the unities of time and place, and uplift morale to be considered proper theater. Jean Racine became one of the leading playwrights during this time, writing tragedies similar to the Ancient Greeks’. His plays had a similar theme that focused on a single primary action occurring at the same place. The characters spoke in rhymed verse, and noble characters often faced their own weaknesses and passions. Moliere was another prolific playwright who focused on mocking French issues, usually in comedic form. They were witty and commented on the social manners of the time.

© 2020

Achieve

Page 42 of 62