stile antico in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Stile Antico in Music

Stile antico is a term used to describe a manner of musical composition that emerged in the sixteenth century and continued onwards. It refers to a style that is historically conscious, as opposed to more contemporary or modern styles of composition. The term "stile antico" literally means "old style" in Italian.

In the context of music, stile antico specifically refers to the standard polyphonic style of church music from the sixteenth century, particularly as it was employed in the seventeenth century. It is often associated with the music of composers like Giovanni Palestrina, whose polyphonic compositions became the basis for this style of music.

The stile antico is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with multiple independent melodic lines woven together to create rich harmonies. It emphasizes clarity, balance, and purity of sound, and is often characterized by its smooth and flowing melodic lines. The music of the stile antico is typically sung a cappella, without instrumental accompaniment, and is often performed in a sacred or religious context.

It is worth noting that stile antico is distinct from stile moderno, which refers to a more contemporary or modern style of composition that emerged during the same period. Stile moderno is characterized by its use of new harmonic and melodic techniques, such as the use of dissonance and chromaticism, and a greater emphasis on individual expression and emotional depth.

In summary, stile antico is a term used to describe a historical style of musical composition from the sixteenth century onwards, characterized by its contrapuntal texture, clarity, and balance. It is often associated with the polyphonic music of composers like Giovanni Palestrina and is typically performed a cappella in a sacred context.

Term used in the transitional period between the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The stile antico, was the style of music based upon Giovanni Palestrina's polyphonic musical style, used mostly for sacred music, and written around the year 1600. Stile antico was used by composers from Claudio Monteverdi to Alessandro Scarlatti; this style became the basis of the rules of strict counterpoint.