The focus was on the rebirth of classical ideas and artistic works. The works of art of the period often reflect classical themes, including depictions of Greek deities. Renaissance scholars preferred to read classical works in the original languages rather than translations which might be erroneous.

Like Italian humanists, they stressed education and classical learning, but at the same time, they emphasized religious themes. They believed that the revival of ancient learning should be used to bring about religious and moral reform.

The Christian Church was absolutely instrumental in the art of the Renaissance. It was the driving force behind every inspiration; without the Church, there would have been no art. The role of religion in art actually began during the Byzantine era.

3 horrifying facts of Renaissance life

• Medical care Needless to say, medical care wasn’t particularly advanced during this time period.
• Beauty routines Foundation at the time was a mixture of white lead and vinegar to achieve smooth paleness.
• Bugs Creepy crawlies were just a part of life.

Renaissance Period Musical Forms The Renaissance period gave rise to musical forms like the motet, the madrigale spirituale, the mass, and the laude, all of which were liturgical styles of music.

The Top Famous Renaissance Composers

• William Byrd (1543–1623) William Byrd is perhaps the greatest English composer of all time.
• Josquin Des Prez (1440–1521)
• Thomas Tallis (1510–1585)
• Pierre de La Rue (1460–1518)
• Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643)
• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1526–1594)
• Orlando de Lassus (1530–1594)
• Giovanni Gabrieli (1553–1612)

In the Renaissance, music became a vehicle for personal expression. Composers found ways to make vocal music more expressive of the texts they were setting. Secular music absorbed techniques from sacred music, and vice versa. Popular secular forms such as the chanson and madrigal spread throughout Europe.

Renaissance Composers (1430 – 1600)

Palestrina

Early Renaissance composers mostly came from northern France or the Low Countries because of the strong court system, which supported musicians in these regions.. In the late Renaissance, Italy became an increasingly important musical centre.