Transitions in Music History – Renaissance Era to Baroque Era 

Musical changed drastically from Medieval and Renaissance Era into the Baroque Era. The church would compose music for it was an essential part of civic, religious, and courtly life for the people. Music was chanting of sacred word which was originally done for prayer and church worship. At the expense of the church King and Baron started to gain authority over music and art. At around the same time europe experience the black plague that killed over 75 million people, two rival popes claimed allegiance of European Christendom and new inventions and innovations in mathematics and science were developed. The church gradually began to lose control of music and music became more secular and convoluted. 

Plainchants had no harmony or rhythm, it was concentrated solely on melody and voice. Music gradually began to move from under the control of the church and unto Kings, Baron and Nobles. Music then began to become polyphonic, combination of two or more melodies, and people started to find pleasure in listening to music. They began to add independent melody and melisma to make the music sound better. Composers of music added a second counterpoint and added a meter so the music would be easier to follow. New music form such as cantata and opera were developed. The music became more clear and the rhythm was more steady and predictable. 

By the Baroque Era music was no longer chanting, music became more clear so that people could understand what was being sung. Music also became more realistic as well as art, this was because during the Renaissance era people began to focus more on the world of man. Music began to portray human feelings and emotions.  The main changes also includes a steady meter and texture. New instruments were used to play the bass such as the cellos and bassoons. Music became more secular and leisure instead of being used only for worship. 

Work Cited 

Kerman, Joseph, et al. Listen. Bedford/St. Martins, 2015.