RENAISSANCE SECULAR

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Though still subordinate to vocal music, instrumental music did become more important during the Renaissance

Instrumental groups performed polyphonic vocal pieces

Soloists used the harpsichord, organ, or lute to play simple arrangements of vocal works

During the 16th century more music was written specifically for instruments

They also developed purely instrumental forms of music, such as theme and variations

Most instrumental music was intended for dancing

Renaissance musicians distinguished between loud, outdoor instruments like the trumpet and the shawm, and soft, indoor instruments like the lute and recorder

Among the most important Renaissance instruments were: recorders, shawms, cornetts, sackbuts, lutes, viols, organs, regals and harpsichords.

Shawm

Cornett

Sackbut

Viol

Regal