The Elizabethan Era

In the Early Modern English period, the Elizabethan era spans. The music in the Elizabethan era,or Elizabethan Music, refers to the music played in the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1533-1603). In this period English music was developed to a such high level that commanded respect from the rest of Western Civilization.

 Beside of the declination of the church's role, it was a major significance for music in the 16th century. The puritans (significant grouping of English Protestants) tried to end with the church music but the will of the people only made it more predominat.The style of the church music was known as choral polyphony and  many of those are still sung today.

 Queen Elizabeth I was interested in music and also knew well how to play instruments. She could play the lute and virginals, a small form of a harpsichord. She inspired courtiers and gentlemen to understand the art of music. Dancing was considered part of propriety by Queen Elizabeth.

 After Elizabeth I's death, English music maintained its level for a short while, and fell off (largely after the Revolution) with the change of styles leading to the 'early baroque' period.

 -João Gonçalves