How to write a medieval song

In particular, in most newer folk tunes you find chord tones falling on strong beats, in a way that the melody implies a harmony. Older modal tunes often have melodic runs that are very hostile towards functional harmonic accompaniments.

You should try to mix and match different historical events and occurrences in medieval times so your novel does not seem too attached to real life history. You are writing fiction after all, so you can steal, borrow, and tweak from real life settings and events as you see fit. 2. Describe the landscape and terrain.

When writing renaissance music, you will write two to four (rarely six) completely independent musical lines, typically indicative of the males singing parts, or instrumental parts. The parts will in starting together, for the most part line up, but there can be very beautiful harmonies created with opposing rhythms.

The word ballad has French origins, and in medieval times it was used to describe “dance songs.” They are written like songs, and come with verses and sometimes a chorus or refrain. This makes the ballad easy to set to music and turn into a song. Traditionally, ballads told a story, usually of legends or folklore.