This course celebrates the music and civilization of the European Renaissance (ca. 1450-1600). Course topics will include musical style (such as polyphony and the popular song), musical notation , the mass, madrigals, the Burgundian school, ancient instruments, the Early Music revival of the 20th century and others. The lives and music of Josquin des Prez, Ockeghem, Dowland, Palestrina, Orlando de Lasso, Praetorius, Susato, Milan, Gesualdo, Byrd and others will be examined in light of innovations in art, science, technology, politics and ideas. Course includes performances on CDs, class recitals, lectures, readings and films.