Music had some major changes during the Renaissance. The violin, flute and organ were developed. Music began to be part of the entertainment for the theater and court. Before the Renaissance, music was performed primarily in churches.
The lute was a popular stringed instrument at the beginning of the Renaissance. By the early 16th century the first violin appeared. Soon after this the viola, cello, and double bass were developed.
Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) was the most famous of the violin makers. His instruments are collector items.
Giovanni Gabrieli and Jan Pieters Sweelinck wrote many pieces for the organ.
Around the 1500's madrigals became popular. These were vocal settings of Italian poems. Many were written by Thomas Morley of England and Luca Marenzio of Italy.
The music composed from 1600 to 1750 required a great number of singers and players to perform. This type of music began in Florence, Italy. They were trying to revive the Greek drama. Instead they produced something very new - the opera.
