MUSIC IN THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD

Renaissance means 'rebirth'. It was called like that as Europe lived a renewed interest in learning and culture, centring in particular on many of the Ancient Greece and Rome ideas.
New geographical discoveries were made, explorers like Columbus made their great voyages.

CHURCH MUSIC (RELIGIOUS MUSIC)

-  Choral polyphony style
-  Sung a capella (without instrumental     accompaniment)
-  Most important forms: mass and motet (in four parts, composers began to add the bass part)
-  Music based on modes
-  Use of the 'cantus firmus' (not a plainchant anymore)
-  Imitation (imitative texture)
-  England: anthems. They are like motets but sung in English

VENICE, THE POLYCHORAL STYLE

-  Music for more than one choir
-  A dialogue between the two choirs is produced
-  Gabrielli

MUSIC IN GERMANY

-  The Protestant church led by Martin Luther gave more importance to the people in the religious service

-  Hymns were written to be sung by the whole congregation: the German chorale

SECULAR MUSIC

Italy: frottola and madrigal
Spain: villancico
German: lied
France: chanson

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Canzona

Ricercar

Toccata

Variations

Fantasia

You can also check:

 INSTRUMENTS OF THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD