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