From Gregorian Chant to Polyphony: Medieval and Renaissance Music

Medieval music, from about 500 to 1400, was shaped largely by the Catholic Church. Monophonic chants, including Gregorian chant, were written down to help churches preserve and perform the same sacred melodies across Europe. Secular music also flourished, with composers such as Léonin, Pérotin, Guillaume de Machaut and Walther von der Vogelweide. The Renaissance period, from about 1400 to 1600, expanded musical expression through richer polyphony and more secular themes, including courtly love. The invention of the printing press made sheet music cheaper and easier to distribute, helping musical styles spread across Europe. Churches, royal courts and towns supported musicians during this era. Notable Renaissance composers included Guillaume Du Fay, Josquin des Prez, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Thomas Morley and Orlando di Lasso. Many influential Franco-Flemish composers also held leading posts throughout Europe, especially in Italy.

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