Ideas And Beliefs In Renaissance Music

During the Renaissance period, ideas and beliefs changed significantly. The focus became on humanism, individualism, and secular ideas. Humanism attached the greatest importance to the dignity and worth of the individual. This entirely new way of thinking began to circulate at this time, and the church lost much of its influence. The music lost its rigid meter count and became directly connected to humanity through phrases, textures, and the text. The focus shifted from God to man. This change would give way to the individual and his achievements allowing one to live up to their full potential. Secular ideas revolved around things of this world. The attitudes of humanism and respect for the individual and for independent thought and interests in learning about the world brought science inquiry that led to the development of the sciences, arts, and philosophical concepts. People saw this life as worth living to its fullest, not just as preparation for the next world. During this time, new opportunities came about to travel and trade leading to exposure to different cultures. This
The form had changed as many composers used existing music as the basis to develop a larger piece of work. Also, dance form was full of repetition and contrast. The Madrigal was very popular at this time. Melody was an important element in Renaissance music. Songs of this time were based on a melody with instrumental support. Rhythms were now free from strict meters and at times became very complicated. There were long rhythmic phrases that overlapped between voices. Harmony evolved by replacing the chord progression with the interaction of melodic lines. The texture at this time was mostly polyphonic then homophonic textures were used to create contrast and variety. The human voice was the timbre of the time. This era was called the golden age of a cappella. Vocal music was more important than instrumental