The effect of the Venetian school and its composers on the music of the Baroque era IntroductionThe Venetian school of the 16th century strongly influenced many composers of all musical genres after the Renaissance. The term “Venetian school” refers to composers who were active in the city between 1550 and 1610 and whose creative musical achievements are the reason why Venice became an important cultural center in the 16th century (Димитриу, 2012). The Venetian school of music, whose style was broken choirs, was popular in Europe at the time and the development of monody as well as the development of opera marked the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the Baroque (Димитриу, 2012). Composers such as Adrian Willeart, Adrian Gabrieli and Giovani Gabrileli were instrumental in producing a new era associated with the Baroque era (Perkins, 1999). This article will discuss how the Venetian school and its composers influenced the music of the Baroque era. The Baroque period emerged after composers rebelled against the musical styles that were common during the High Renaissance. The Renaissance is thought to have occurred from 1420 to 1600 and was a period of notable cultural awakening in the arts and sciences throughout Europe (Kamien, 2010). This was also a period of growing humanism, a condition that led to sacred music breaking away from the confines of the church for the first time (Sherrane, 2012). Furthermore, a group of composers trained in the Netherlands mastered the art of polyphony from where they played sacred music (Sherrane, 2012). Secular music thrived during the Renaissance period, and vocal, dance, and instrumental music was performed in profusion. Baroque, named after a famous ornament of the time, was a period t...... middle of paper ..... .and the common musical style during the Renaissance period. The Baroque era was the one that articulated harmony and atmosphere throughout the composition. Initially the music was polyphonic in nature, but later changed during the Baroque period to become more harmonious. Venice became the center of musical ferment and with the development of opera music; an unrestricted opera house was built within the city. St. Mark's Basilica became an essential place for melodic experiments. Musical composition served a significant function in Baroque society as it served as a musical expression for creative composers, a basis of entertainment for the upper class, an occupation for composers, and a brief escape from the habits of everyday life for the public. The Baroque era gave rise to a society that appreciates music, not only at the upper class level but also at the middle class level