Humanities Study Guide

Humanities Study Guide

Chapter 6: High and Late Renaissance

Overview As the Renaissance is a hugely impactful moment in cultural development, it’s best to look at it in sections. In this chapter we’ll look at the Renaissance as it moved beyond Italy and into Europe, eventually inspiring a Reformation. Learning Objectives At the end of this chapter, you will be able to: • Understand the distinction between Renaissance developments according to where they occurred • Describe characteristics of Renaissance art, and determine the most well-known artists • Identify how culture and philosophy changed in the time of the Reformation 6.1 High Renaissance in Italy As Florence fell further into political unrest and decline, Rome emerged as the new capital of the Renaissance around 1500 CE. Artists such as Michelangelo, Josquin des Prez, and Raphael flourished in Rome in what’s known as the High Renaissance. Music The High Renaissance gave rebirth to a musical technique known as a cappella, or singing without instruments. The church heavily used a cappella by gathering young boys, giving them musical knowledge and a pathway into a long musical career. The boys would perform such pieces at masses, and other various important events. Josquin de Prez , the most influential composer of his time, revitalized the Renaissance polyphony. He blended rich, northern European polyphony with Italian lyricism. He was the leading composer of the papal court from 1481-1501 and participated in many other prominent European courts during his time. In Venice, people loved to hold festivals, celebrations, and other events where there could be music. Composers like Gabrieli exploited settings such as St. Mark's by devising a polychoral style. Choral endings called cadences developed as a result. In the United Kingdom, the court of Queen Elizabeth I was full of music, dance, mime, and other forms of entertainment. Courtiers participated by playing music and joining vocal ensembles. These courts imported popular Italian songs and dances that featured musicians such as WilliamByrd . Like many

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