Monody

In poetry, the term monody has become specialized to refer to a poem in which one person laments another's death. (In the context of ancient Greek literature, monody, μονῳδία could simply refer to lyric poetry sung by a single performer, rather than by a chorus.)

In music, monody refers to a solo vocal style distinguished by having a single melodic line and instrumental accompaniment. Although such music is found in various cultures throughout history, the term is specifically applied to Italian song of the early 17th century, particularly the period from about 1600 to 1640. The term is used both for the style and for individual songs (so one can speak both of monody as a whole as well as a particular monody). The term itself is a recent invention of scholars. No composer of the 17th century ever called a piece a monody. Compositions in monodic form might be called madrigals, motets, or even concertos (in the earlier sense of "concertato", meaning "with instruments").

In monody, which developed out of an attempt by the Florentine Camerata in the 1580s to restore ancient Greek ideas of melody and declamation (probably with little historical accuracy), one solo voice sings a melodic part, usually with considerable ornamentation, over a rhythmically independent bass line. Accompanying instruments could be lute, chitarrone, theorbo, harpsichord, organ, and even on occasion guitar. While some monodies were arrangements for smaller forces of the music for large ensembles which was common at the end of the 16th century, especially in the Venetian School, most monodies were composed independently. The development of monody was one of the defining characteristics of early Baroque practice, as opposed to late Renaissance style, in which groups of voices sang independently and with a greater balance between parts.

Monody (band)

Monody Monody is a 3-member synthpop / EBM / Futurepop band. Monody is currently performing in the pacific northwest, USA.

History

Formed in 2006 in Portland, Oregon. In 2008, Monody released 4 debut singles entitled: 'Bound', 'Absent', 'Ceti Lullaby', and 'In Between'.

On January 24, 2008, Monody was featured in an Oregon Public Broadcasting segment on the construction in Portland, Oregon. Daniel Edgar (member) was recognized for his use various construction sounds in a number of Monody songs. The song 'Beneath Andromeda' was featured in the segment.

Monody opened for Obscenity Trial (band) and Spetsnaz (band) at the Portland stop of their 2008 US tour on November 25, 2008.

On March 8, 2009, an interview with Monody was posted on the Portland music guide, Evy Metal. The interview covers topics such as their musical background, writing process, and live performances.

Remote Music, the German electronic music label, announced that Monody has joined their roster on July 3, 2009

Personnel

Monody (album)

Monody is the fourth album by Indie/R&B/Synthpop artist Mantler (Chris A. Cummings), released in 2010.

Described as "teeming with slow jams, a love for the '70s and an honesty that saves it from becoming retro-obsessed kitsch", Mantler features many guest stars, including Sandro Perri, Owen Pallett, Ben Gunning, Jeremy Greenspan and the string section of Ohbijou.

Reception

The album was met with positive critical reception in Germany, the U.K. and Toronto . Allmusic awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars. The music was showcased live at the Tranzac Club in Toronto, and Queen Elizabeth Hall in South Bank, London, and videos were produced to accompany the release. A song from the same project, "I Guarantee You A Good Time" (featuring Steamboat and Sandro Perri) was released as a single shortly after the LP.

Track listing