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Period: May 3, 1400 to
Renaissance
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May 3, 1439
Johann Gutenberg invents the printing press
Revolutionized the manufacturing of books, and also the studies of the arts and sciences. -
May 3, 1450
1450 - 1550
During this period composers experimented with cantus firmus. Cantus firmus was commonly used in the Middle Ages which was strongly based on the Gregorian Chant. Known composers during this period were Johannes Ockeghem, Jacob Obrecht and Josquin Desprez. -
May 3, 1474
1400 - 1474
Guillaume Dufay, known as the transitional figure to the Renaissance. -
May 3, 1478
The Spainish Inquistion begins
One of the most deadly inquistions in history, it was designed to root out all non Catholics i.e Jews and Muslims. -
May 3, 1500
1500 - 1550
The French Chanson, a polyphonic French song that was originally for 2 to 4 voices. -
May 3, 1510
1500 - 1620
Italian Madrigal, polyphonic secular music that were performed in groups of 4 to 6 singers who sang mostly love songs. There were three periods of the Italian Madrigal -
May 3, 1512
Michelangelo paints the Sistine Chapel
Forced into painting by the Pope, Michelangelo painted 9 scenes from the old testament onto the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel. -
May 3, 1514
Thomas More Utopia
Thomas More used the word Utopia to describe an ideal imaginary Island nation. He opposed England's seperation from the Catholic church and refused to accept the King as the head of the church, he was later tried for treason and beheaded. -
May 3, 1517
1517
Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther. Significant changes occurred to church music such as the chorale, hymns that were meant to be sung by a congregation. Its earliest form was monophonic and then evolved to four part harmony. It was also the period when psalms of the Bible were translated into French and then set to music. -
May 3, 1540
1540
Known composers were Adrian Willaert and Jacob Arcadelt. -
May 3, 1550
1550
Catholic Counter-Reformation. The Council of Trent met from 1545 to 1563 to discuss complaints against the church including its music. -
May 3, 1570
1570
Known composers were again Adrian Willaert and Orlando Lassus. -
May 3, 1572
Saint Bartholomew 's Massacre
Mobs of French Catholics killed Protestants during the French Religious Wars. It is presumed that the Massacre started because of King Charles the IX's sister Margret married the Protestant King Henry the IV (the future king of France). -
1594
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, known as the High Renaissance composer of Counter-Reformation sacred music. During this period Renaissance polyphony reached its height. -
1610
Known composers were Luca Marenzio, Carlo Gesualdo and Claudio Monteverdi. Monteverdi is also known as the transitional figure to the Baroque music era.
