New Forms Of Music During The Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan Era is sometimes referred to as the “Golden Age” of English history for the new found peace of the era and for the flourishing of areas such as poetry, literature, and music. At this point in time the Elizabethan Era is part of the period of music called the Renaissance where a considerable amount of innovation and exploration was done to the music of the time period. Consequently, new forms of music arose in addition to the already present religious music. Street music, court music, town music, and theater music were all new forms of music present in Elizabethan England. Even Queen Elizabeth herself was supportive of the music and arts by encouraging musicians and composers to expand and innovate and since she led by example, she too was a musician who played a few instruments. Those who were of higher classes were expected to be proficient in an instrument or with their vocals; the lack of being musically inclined could result in shame or being the laughing-stock of the society. Although musical talent was greatly promoted, those who played music on the streets were actually poor due to the high concentration of musicians. While the development of the time period led to various musical breakthroughs, not all of the classes experienced the new music in the same way. This is because the social class of an Elizabethan citizen affected the type of music
Because of this music played by the lower classes weren’t played in the same places where music from the higher classes was played. Lower class musicians didn’t have many audiences from higher classes due to normally performing for the towns people so they played music in,” Elizabethan Feasts, Fairs and Festivals…”(Lopez). In addition, street performers would just be seen roaming around and playing music all around town. Nobility were expected to never play in public. Location of where music was played depended on the class of the