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The Renaissance
Music History Timeline
Medieval Renaissance Baroque Classical Romantic 20th Century
313–1450 1450–1600 1600–1750 1750–1800 1800–1900 1900–present
As shown in the timeline above, the Renaissance dates from 1450–1600. However,
the political and social changes that brought about the Renaissance had
been in progress for some time before 1450, so the actual dates are approximate.
Still, this was an exciting time in European history. The gradual loosening of
restrictions by the Church, the growth of scientific research and discovery, the rise of a
social middle class, the development of guilds, and much more, all contributed to an
increased standard of living for the average person. This was the time of Columbus,
DaVinci, and Copernicus. It was a time of great thinkers and a complete reassessment of
man’s place on earth. Many Italians, in particular, became preoccupied with trying to
recapture the glories of the ancient Roman and Greek empires.
Because of these social developments, an explosion of artistic activity occurred
during the Renaissance. Literature and drama flourished with geniuses like William
Shakespeare. Visual art had, by 1450, reached a peak of realism and power with the
works of Raphael and Michelangelo. Likewise, music enjoyed tremendous growth as an
art form that transformed forever the way it was used and constructed. The Catholic
Church lost much of the power it had over people’s use of music. No longer were
composers required to employ Gregorian chants as the basis for sacred musical compositions.
Secular music was extremely popular now that the Church tolerated it. Composers
and poets poured their energies into artistic celebrations of life, love, happiness, and
beer. The Renaissance was the first time in over a thousand years in which people were
allowed, even encouraged, to explore and express their emotions and the world around
them.
General Characteristics of Renaissance Music
Musical styles tended to progress along two fronts during the Renaissance. On one
hand, harmonic development was in full swing. The concepts of chords and chord progressions
were increasingly welcome to the ear, and composers of all types of music
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