T he French word “ renaissance ” means rebirth. I t was first used in 1855 by the historian Jules Michelet in his History of France , and then adopted by historians of culture, by art historians, and eventually by music historians, all of whom applied it to European culture during the 150 years spanning 1450-1600. The concept of rebirth was appropriate to this period of European history because of the renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture that began in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. S cholars and artists of this period wanted to restore the learning and ideals of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. T o these scholars this meant a return to human. F ulfillment in life became a desirable goal, and expressing the entire range of human emotions and enjoying the pleasures of the senses were no longer frowned on. A rtists and writers now turned to religious subject matter and sought to make their works understandable and appealing. T hese changes in outlook deeply affected the musical culture of the Renaissance period----how people thought about music as well as the way music was composed and experienced . T hey could see the architectural monuments, sculptures, plays, and poems that were being rediscovered , but they could not actually hear ancient music--- although they could read the writings of classical philosophers, poets, essayists, and music theorists that were becoming available in translation. T hey learned about the power of ancient music to move the listener and wondered why modern music did not have the same effect. F or example, the influential religious leader Bernardino Cirillo expressed disappointment with the music of his time. H e urged musicians to follow the example of the sculptors, painters, architects, and scholars who had rediscovered ancient art and literature. T he musical Renaissance in Europe was more a general cultural movement and state of mind than a specific set of musical techniques . Furthermore , music changed so rapidly during this century and a half--- though at different rates in different countries---that we cannot define a single Renaissance style.