The Renaissance was a period between 1450-1600 that saw a rebirth of human creativity in Europe. This era was defined by exploration, individualism, and the growth of humanism. The invention of the printing press accelerated the spread of learning and music. During this time, music became more widespread and composers gained higher status as every educated person was expected to be trained in music. Italy emerged as a leading music center in the 16th century, and vocal music flourished with influences from language and the growing use of word painting techniques.

1. The Renaissance
1450 - 1600

2. 15th and 16th centuries in Europe
• “rebirth” of human creativity.
• Period of exploration and adventure
- Christopher Columbus (1492)
- Vasco da Gama (1498)
- Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1522)
• Age of curiosity and individualism
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519)
Painter ,sculptor,architect,engineer, and scientist – and a fine
musician.

3. Humanism
• Intellectual movement – focused on human life
and its accomplishments.
Reformation
• Martin Luther
-Aristocrats and the upper middle class now
considered education a status symbol.

4. Printing (1450)
• Invention of printing with movable type
• Accelerated the spread of learning
• Widened the circulation of music
• Number of composers and performers
increased.

5. Music in the Renaissance
• “Every educated person was expected to be
trained in music” – ideal of a universal man
• Church choir grew in size
• Church remained an important patron of music
• Musicians enjoyed higher status and pay than
ever before
• Composers were no longer content to remain
unknown
• Italy became the leading music center in the 16th
century.

6. Characteristics of Renaissance Music
• Vocal music was more important than
instrumental music.
• Humanistic interest in language influenced vocal
music
• Word Painting – musical representation of
specific poetic images.
• A capella –unaccompanied choral music