The Vihuela and the Guitar in the XVI Century

Development of Musical Language

The Spanish vihuelistas made important contributions to the development of musical language during the XVI century.  Some of these contributions are:

• Systematic use of tempo markings.
• The first example in music history of the Theme and Variations form named Diferencias (Differences). Narváez wrote several diferencias:  Diferencias sobre guárdame las vacas, Veintidós diferencias de Conde Claros para discantar, Otras tres diferencias hechas por otra parte.
• Development of tonality. Their music offer an excellent example of the transition between modality and tonality.
• Development of an instrumental style and creation of an important repertoire for vihuela and voice.
• Development of harmonic type accompaniment.