Renaissance Music and Cultural Developments

Renaissance

Period of cultural rebirth from 1450 to 1600.

Humanism

Focus on human values and emotions over deities.

Protestant Reformation

Religious movement led by Martin Luther.

95 Theses

Martin Luther's criticisms of the Catholic Church.

Movable Type

Printing technology that revolutionized document creation.

Printing Press

Device for mass-producing written documents.

Bifocals

Glasses with two optical powers.

Barometer

Instrument measuring atmospheric pressure.

Microscope

Tool for viewing small objects magnified.

Telescope

Device for observing distant objects.

Venetian School

Group of composers known for polychoral music.

Polychoral Motets

Choral works for multiple choirs.

Sonata pian e forte

First piece with intentional dynamics for brass.

Plaudite

Polychoral work praising God, 12 parts.

Motet

Choral work not part of a mass.

Polyphonic Imitation

Musical technique where voices mimic each other.

Counter-Reformation

Catholic response to Protestant Reformation.

Palestrina

Composer known for over 450 sacred works.

Madrigal

Secular vocal music set to poetry.

Passamezzo

Stable dance in duple meter.

Galliard

Quick dance in triple meter.

Renaissance Dance

Traditional dances like Pavane and Galliard.

Word Painting

Musical technique reflecting text meaning.

Adrian Willaert

Composer bridging Renaissance and Baroque styles.