It is characterized by the introduction of the interval of the third into European art music (in the Middle Ages, thirds had been considered dissonances: see interval), and the continued development of polyphony (Greek: many-voices). Masses, motets and other liturgical music was composed for churches; aristocrats and rich bourgeois sang, played and were entertained by secular songs for many voices or consort[?] music for recorder or viol da gamba. Printing made music more widely available.
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