Sequentia

Sequentia

An interesting development of plain-chant is the form known as sequentia or "sequence' some of the most inspiring coming from the work of Hildegarde von Bingen (1098 – 1179) the German mystic , poet and composer.

Sequentia are themselves a form of early music known collectively as monodies or "single line melodies' which would have been accompanied by drones.

Conducti

Another form of monody is the conductus sung either in church or as part of a drama. Many conducti were narratives celebrating heroes and famous deeds both real and mythical

The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland (1050) is a good example and this is how it starts (in translation):

Charles the King, our Lord and Sovereign,
Full seven years hath sojourned in Spain,
Conquered the land, and won the western main,
Now no fortress against him doth remain,
No city walls are left for him to gain,
Save Sarraguce, that sits on high mountain.
Marsile its King, who feareth not God's name,
Mahumet's man, he invokes Apollin's aid,
Nor wards off ills that shall to him attain.