1. Sacred Polyphony: Religious music was the dominant genre during the Renaissance. Masses and motets were the primary forms of sacred polyphony (multi-part vocal music). Flemish composers like Josquin des Prez excelled in this style.
2. Secular Polyphony: Secular music also flourished. Frotollas, madrigals, and chansons were polyphonic vocal pieces that ranged from love songs and pastoral pieces to satirical works.
3. Instrumental Music: While most Renaissance music was vocal, instrumental music began to gain importance. Dances and fantasias were popular instrumental genres. String instruments like the lute and viol, as well as keyboard instruments, were prominent.
4. Rise of Patronage: The Church and noble courts acted as patrons to composers and musicians, leading to the growth of professional musicianship and the establishment of musical institutions.
5. Humanism and Antiquity: The Renaissance's focus on humanism and the rediscovery of classical literature also had an impact on music. Composers incorporated classical themes and compositional techniques into their works, leading to the development of motets and madrigals inspired by ancient texts.
6. Printing and Publication: The invention of the printing press made it possible to publish sheet music and collections of works, contributing to the dissemination of music and new compositional styles across regions.
7. National Styles: Although there was a general European musical style, distinct national styles began to emerge during the late Renaissance. English, French, and German composers developed unique characteristics in their music.
8. Beginnings of Opera: Towards the end of the Renaissance, early forms of opera emerged, particularly in Italy. "Intermezzi" and madrigal comedies laid the foundation for the elaborate theatrical productions that would later define the Baroque period.
9. Dances and Instrumental Techniques: Popular Renaissance dances included galliards, allemandes, and pavans, which were often performed with ensembles featuring viols and other instruments. Composers also explored innovative techniques such as scordatura (altering string tunings) and virtuoso divisions (variations) in instrumental music.
As the Renaissance transitioned into the Baroque period, the foundation was set for further developments in musical styles, leading to the emergence of new forms and genres that left an indelible mark on Western classical music.