Lovely classics

[Renaissance Music] A Curated Selection of Masterpieces Brimming with the Allure of Polyphony

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Western music history is often discussed starting from the “Baroque era,” around 1600, when figures like Johann Sebastian Bach were active.

However, music existed long before that.

“Renaissance music,” born amid the cultural movement known as the Renaissance from around 1400 to 1600, is regarded as an important bridge between medieval Western music and Baroque music within the history of classical music.

A defining characteristic of Renaissance music is “polyphony,” constructed by overlapping multiple vocal lines, with many pieces being songs and sacred works.

In this article, we will introduce famous Renaissance pieces that are widely known and still featured in modern concerts.

[Renaissance Music] Carefully Selected Masterpieces Brimming with the Allure of Polyphony (11–20)

Gentle MariaJacob Obrecht

Jacob Obrecht: Beata es, Maria

Gentle MariaJacob Obrecht

Jacob Obrecht’s “Gentle Mary” is striking for its warm melodies and intricate counterpoint.

Beginning his musical career in 1484 as the director of the boys’ choir at Cambrai Cathedral and later making his name at the cathedral in Bruges, Obrecht’s talents are vividly reflected in this work.

Its deep sonorities and interweaving vocal lines leave a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Why not savor the profound allure of music in its simplicity through this piece, where the beauty of polyphony is distilled?

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In conclusion

Were you able to savor the solemn resonance born from the overlapping of multiple voices? There are many other masterpieces of beautiful, soul-cleansing Renaissance music beyond the ones introduced here.

If your interest has been piqued, please immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance music and enjoy its sacred atmosphere, so different from that of music from the Baroque period onward.