Poland experienced an awakening of interest in art and music in the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In addition to the imported traditions of western Europe which accompanied an influx of Italian musicians to Poland, a body of music existed which, although not actual folk music, was the music of everyday life in Poland, the music which accompanied the rituals of church and social events. This music, which included the traditional dance forms of the mazurka and polonaise, provided the basic material for new works such as parody Masses. Other composers quoted popular melodies in various genres such as instrumental canzone and pastorals.

Works: Jan Fabrycy: Parody Mass on the motet In te Domine speravi by Waclaw of Szamotul (106); Gerwazy Gorczycki: Missa Paschalis (106); Marcin Leopolita: Missa Paschalis (106); Marcin Mielczewski: Missa super o glorioso (107); Bartlomiej Pekiel: Missa Paschalis (106).

Index Classifications: 1600s, 1700s

Contributed by: Nancy Kinsey Totten