Question

select the correct answer.
which statement is true with regard to the characteristics of renaissance music?
a. renaissance music mainly comprised sacred latin text set to monophonic melodies.

b. renaissance music presented the ethereal voice of the church.

c. renaissance music was entirely instrumental and avoided vocal forms.

d. renaissance music was polyphonic, lighter, and cheerful.

e. renaissance music is set in a triple meter and has strong, fast beats.

Explanation:

Renaissance music is defined by its widespread polyphonic texture, with a shift to lighter, more cheerful secular and sacred works, moving away from the more restrictive monophonic or purely somber medieval styles. Option A is incorrect because Renaissance music was not mainly monophonic (that is medieval Gregorian chant). Option B is incorrect as it does not focus solely on an ethereal church voice; secular music was also prominent. Option C is incorrect because vocal music was central to Renaissance music, not avoided. Option E is incorrect because Renaissance music did not universally use triple meter with strong fast beats.

Answer:

D. Renaissance music was polyphonic, lighter, and cheerful.