Gothic music arose during the Middle Ages, and it was more complex than the music that came before it, but it used less instrumentation than the music that came after it. This largely choral style of music was most famously practiced in Paris and areas in close proximity to the city. During this time, both musical structure and notation became more formal and regular. In recent years, the term “gothic music” has been used to describe a subculture of modern music inspired to some extent by nineteenth-century Gothic romances.
Early medieval music was often very simple, with only one vocal part. In most choruses, this part was sung in unison by all of the voices. The popular music of the time was likely more diverse, but there are virtually no records of popular music from that time period.
A general improvement in Europe’s level of peace and prosperity allowed more free time and resources to be devoted to activities that were not strictly necessary for survival. During the years leading up to the arrival of the black plague, this resulted in a flourishing of all the arts. Greater prosperity in religious life meant the construction of more lavish cathedrals and the ability to support larger groups of religious men and women in the creation of religious art and music.
The city of Paris was one of the epicenters of this new prosperity. The construction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris began in the 1160s during this time period. The Gothic splendor of the new cathedral replaced the previous era’s Romanesque art. Gothic music arose as a result of the same influences.
In the majority of pieces, the new Gothic music used harmony. Different groups of singers sang different parts, which were often divided by vocal range. These elements merged to create a new, more complex musical style.
During this time, a new system of musical notation emerged. In western music, certain musical modes have become standard forms. These were loosely based on poetry’s rhythmic structures. In the archetypal French form of Gothic music, six standard modes were used.
Later artists tended to view the Gothic period as a darkly mysterious epoch rather than a period of growth and dynamism. Gothic romances were popular in the nineteenth century, and the dark and ominous tone of these works influenced some of the musicians who created modern Gothic music.
This musical subculture bears little resemblance to the original Gothic music. Dark and melancholy lyrics are usually accompanied by music that ranges from minimal and atmospheric to strong driving electronic dance beats. The artists of the Romantic period form the only common thread between these two versions of Gothic music.