LÉONIN

By Coco Mtandabari 8bV

INTERVIEW

Léonin

"WHEN WErE YOU BORN AND WHEN DID YOU PASS?"

Léonin: "I was born in Paris, France in 1135. During my life I remained in Paris, working at the Notre Dame Cathedral, and attending - and gaining a Master of Arts Degree - from the University of Paris. In 1201, I passed naturally."

"But what did you do?"

L:"I am remembered as a great musical genius responsible for establishing the foundation of the Western musical tradition. My student Perotin and I were some of the first known musical composers. Usually, Medieval music was monophonic, but I thought to combine a plainchant (choir sang one line together), organum (two or more voices harmonized, each singing different notes) and discant ( a type of organum in which voices followed different rhythms that fit well with one another. In my time, there were six basic rhythms in use.)"

"WHO WAS PEROTIN?"

L:"Perotin was my beloved menteé. He helped an supported me throughout all of my polyphonic experiments. He greatly developed my musical ability and for that I am very thankful."