Renaissance (1450-1600)
Renaissance composers sought to recapture the classical Greek ideal of music. Music should move the emotions and the soul. It should be expressive and meaningful. Music would be more meaningful if the words were clearly understood, with the meaning of the words reflected in the music. For example, when texts spoke of the sky or heaven, the melody would ascend and get higher. This technique is called word painting. Imitation of voices (copying each other at the start of phrases and then continuing independently) was another favorite technique. Renaissance music sounds smooth and connected. Some have described Renaissance music as a tapestry, where separate melodic strands can be recognized and traced, yet the combination presents a complete and integrated picture. Josquin de Prez (1440-1521) and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), both highly skilled Renaissance composers, are best- known for their religious (sacred) music.
A scientific approach, which was characteristic of the Renaissance mind, also affected musicians. Composers began experimenting with new tuning systems, harmonic structures, and notational techniques. Instruments were considered less important than vocal music, though they were rising in popularity. Instruments were used largely for dances and for supporting or doubling vocal parts. Popular instruments of the time were the lute, viol, and recorder. A typical evening's entertainment would include singing madrigals. Secular, (non-religious) one stanza poetry, typically about love, was set to music with one singer per part. As in sacred music, word painting and imitation were used extensively.
A scientific approach, which was characteristic of the Renaissance mind, also affected musicians. Composers began experimenting with new tuning systems, harmonic structures, and notational techniques. Instruments were considered less important than vocal music, though they were rising in popularity. Instruments were used largely for dances and for supporting or doubling vocal parts. Popular instruments of the time were the lute, viol, and recorder. A typical evening's entertainment would include singing madrigals. Secular, (non-religious) one stanza poetry, typically about love, was set to music with one singer per part. As in sacred music, word painting and imitation were used extensively.