Renaissance 1450 – 1600

The term “Renaissance” literally means rebirth. It began in Florence, Italy under the patronage of the Medici family, and was a time of great artistic and scientific developments. At this time, a new humanist spirit became the driving force behind a thriving art and music scene. This was also the time of Shakespeare, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Christopher Colombus.

During the Renaissance period, four-part music for sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses reached its peak, which is why it is referred to as “the golden age of polyphony.” Composers like Josquin des Prez (1440 – 1521) and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palastrina (1525 – 1594) wrote sacred music with soaring melodies that filled the great cathedrals of Europe.

Secular music flourished during the Renaissance, and instrumental dance music was very popular. Instruments were grouped together according to their volume – the bas (soft) instruments were used for indoor dances while the haut (loud) instruments were used for outdoor events.

Madrigals were the most popular secular music for singers. This style was particularly widespread in England, where composers like Thomas Morley (1558-1602), William Byrd (1543 – 1623), and Thomas Weelkes (1576 – 1623) wrote polyphonic songs of love, nature’s beauty, and the supernatural.