THE RENAISSANCE (1400-1600)

The choral music of the Renaissance is a valuable source for amateur high school, university, and
community choirs. Young voices are particularly suited to this music. The characteristics normally
associated with the Renaissance are most aptly applied to the music written between 1400 and 1600, and
particularly to that written between 1450 and 1550. Some of the qualities of Baroque music are found
before 1600, and characteristics of the Renaissance are found much later than 1600. The dates of this
period, as with all periods, must be taken as only guidelines since stylistic changes represent an
evolvement, not abrupt changes. The Renaissance composers were part of an intellectual community that
began to be as concerned with their life on earth as well as their life after death. Although the techniques
of composing to rigid formulas or predetermined patterns such as isorhythm, formes fixes, and cantus
firmi were changed and often abandoned, there is still a great body of repertoire from the fifteenth and
sixteenth centuries that is based on a cantus firmus, for example. The techniques of writing music from
such a basis were greatly relaxed, however, and marvelous examples of polyphony exist from the
composers of this period. Of course, many compositions were written completely free of earlier material.
The composers, reflecting the attitudes of the day, began to consider themselves as artists, and viewed
their music as something more than serving a utilitarian function for the church. Continued freedom in
compositional techniques produced exceptional motets and secular pieces in the sixteenth century.
Characteristics of Renaissance music include:
1. Polyphonic texture, equal voice lines
2. Use of fewer modes, and a move toward major and minor tonality
3. Melody influenced by plainsong
4. Conjunct melodic movement
5. Controlled dissonance
6. Text important to formal considerations
7. Nonmetered rhythms
8. Overlapping points of imitation

Musical Texture During the Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, musical texture was monophonic, meaning it has a single melodic line.
Sacred vocal music such as Gregorian chants were set to Latin text and sung
unaccompanied. It was the only type of music allowed in churches, so composers kept the
melodies pure and simple. Later on, church choirs added one or more melodic lines to
the Gregorian chants. This created polyphonic texture, meaning it has two or more melodic
lines.
During the Renaissance, the church had less power over musical activity. Instead, the Kings,
Princes and other prominent members of the courts had more influence. The size of church
choirs grew and with it more voice parts were added. This created music that was richer and
fuller. Polyphonywas widely used during this period, but soon, music also became
homophonic. Composers wrote pieces that shifted between polyphonic and homophonic
textures. This made the melodies more complex and elaborate. Many factors contributed to
the change of musical texture during these periods. The influence of the Church, a shift in
musical focus, the change in status of composers, the invention of printing and religious
reformation were some of the factors that contributed to these changes.
Musical Instruments Used During the Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, most of the music was vocal and unaccompanied. The church wanted
to keep music pure and solemn because it was less distracting. Later on, musical
instruments such asbells and organs were allowed in church, but it was mainly used to
observe important days in the Liturgical calendar. Travelling musicians or ministrels used
musical instruments as they performed on street corners or courts. The instruments they
used include fiddles, harps and lutes. The lute is a pear shaped string instrument with a
fretted fingerboard.
During the Renaissance period, most of the musical activity shifted from the church to the
courts. Composers were more open to experimentation. As a result, more composers used
musical instruments in their compositions. Instruments that produced softer and less bright
sounds were preferred for indoor events. Louder and more brilliant sounding instruments
were preferred for outdoor events. Musical instruments used during this period include the
cornett, harpsichord, and recorder. A musical instrument called shawm was used for dance music
and outdoor events. The shawm is the predecessor of the oboe.
More on the Middle Ages and Renaissance1. Medieval Music Timeline - Music during the Middle
Ages is characterized by the beginning of musical notation as well as polyphony. During this time, there were two
general types of music styles; the monophonic and the polyphonic. In order to fully understand how music evolved
duirng the Medieval period, look at the timeline of events.
Composers of the Middle Ages - During this period, there were several composers and musicians who largely
contributed to how music evolved.
Renaissance Music Timeline - This period brought about many changes in the way music was created and
perceived. To fully grasp the changes that occurred in music during this period, read this timeline.
Composers of the Renaissance Period - This period signifies the rebirth of classical learning and an increased
patronage of music. Here are some of the notable composers during the Renaissance period.
Renaissance music is European classical music written during the Renaissance, approximately 1400
to 1600. Defining the beginning of the era is difficult, given the lack of abrupt shifts in musical
thinking during the 15th century. Additionally, the process by which music acquired "Renaissance"
characteristics was a gradual one, but 1400 is used here.