Instruments of the Renaissance

Instruments of the Renaissance refer to the musical tools and devices used by musicians during the Renaissance period (roughly the 14th to 17th centuries). These included early string instruments like the lute and viol, wind instruments such as the recorder and shawm, and keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and organ. Many of these instruments were designed for both outdoor entertainment and court performances, often crafted with intricate detail. They played key roles in fostering the period's rich musical culture, enabling compositions that emphasized harmony, melody, and innovation that laid groundwork for future musical developments.