Rennaisance Period -

General Considerations
This was a period dedicated to Philosophy and a greater understanding of why we (humans) are on this planet.
Artists such as da Vinci and Michelangelo were alive.
Shakespeare was writing his plays in England.
The Protestant Reformation had changed the face of the church and had altered a the type of music that was required for the services. 
Instruments
The Harpsichord was the main keyboard instrument and the sound was created by a series of quills plucking strings. Other keyboard instruments would be the chamber organ and the clavichord. The Viol family were the early equivalent of the string family used in small ensembles. Wind instruments included the oboe, bassoon and transverse flute. All of these instruments were played without any keys. Brass instruments included the Trumpet and the Sackbut. The Lute was found mainly in Germany and France.

Composers

William Byrd, (1543-1623)
The Sweet and Merry Month of May
Josquin Desprez, (1440-1521)
     
Giovanni Gabrielli, (1554-1612)
     
Orlando Gibbons, (1583-1625)
The Silver Swan
Giovanni Palestrina, (1525-1594)
Adoramus te Christe

Musical Features

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  • Vocal Polyphony
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  • Secular music such as motets and madrigals supported by the nobility
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  • Religious music fostered by the remains of the Catholic Church including Plainchant.
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  • Modal tonality
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  • Printing and notating music helps the music to be played by more musicians and in a greater number of venues.

 

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