The Effect of the Venetian School and its Composers on the Music of the Baroque EraIntroductionThe Venetian School of the 16th century firmly influenced many composers from all over 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 were the reason why Venice became an important cultural center in the 16th century (Димитриу, 2012). The Venetian school of music, whose style was cori spezzati, 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 (Dimitriu, 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 common musical styles during the High Renaissance. The Renaissance is believed to have taken place between 1420 and 1600 and was a period of remarkable cultural awakening in the arts and sciences throughout Europe (Kamien, 2010). It was also a time of increased humanism, a condition that led to sacred music being moved away from the confines of the church for the first time (Sherrane, 2012). Additionally, a group of composers trained in the Netherlands mastered the art of polyphony from which they played sacred music (Sherrane, 2012). Secular music flourished during the Renaissance and vocal dances, as well as instrumental music, were performed in profusion. Baroque, named after a famous ornate artist of the era, was a period...... middle of paper..... .ed style of music that was common during the Renaissance period. The Baroque era articulated harmony and mood throughout the composition. Initially, the music was polyphonic in nature, but it later evolved during the Baroque period to become more harmonic. Venice became the center of musical agitation and with the development of opera music; an unrestricted opera house was built in the city. St. Mark's Basilica has become an essential place for melodic experimentation. Musical composition played an important role 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 means of escape from the habits of daily life for the public. The Baroque era gave rise to a society that appreciated music, not only at the upper class level but also at the middle class level.