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music began about 1600, and this eventually led to the Classical age. Composers such as Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach were popular during the Baroque era. It was during the Baroque period that composers began to use more complex and elaborate musical themes, and changes were made in musical notation that were important in conveying the ideas of the composers to the performers of the piece. Baroque expanded the complexity of playing styles and forced the performers to become more proficient in their playing skills.

The Renaissance musical styles would lead to Baroque (1600 to 1760), the Classical musical era (1730 to 1820), and the Romantic era (1815 to 1910).

Let Us Learn

From the Renaissance era, we learn hope. A few fundamental changes, mostly in thought processes, changed the world. If the world changes for the better on such small things as thoughts, so can we. By adopting a mindset of progress, viewing the process of our lives positively, and seeing that a little knowledge goes a long way we can change ourselves. One good event or experience can trigger a mass of others. The history of the Renaissance shows us this is a fact.

We must learn to observe what is actually happening, rather than assuming we know or taking another’s word for what is going on. The scientific method changed the European world, and by using the same idea of close observation, we can change our own world. See for yourself, if possible, what is actually occurring. In addition, learn to question what you are told. Is it a fact that the continents move over time? Ask what evidence that proves movement. Find out if something else might explain the evidence cited. Great authorities may say it is right, but great authorities (Aristotle, etc.) have been wrong before. The only way to know is to investigate and ask fundamental questions of those espousing the idea. The Renaissance taught us to rely on facts, not long held opinions.

Figure 17 Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665-1675

Books and Resources:

The Renaissance, A Short History, Johnson, P., 2002, Modern Library.

P 570 et seq, The New Penguin History of the World, Roberts, J., 2007, Penguin Books. Great on the large changes sweeping over Europe.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades, Spencer, 2005, Regnery Publishing, Inc

Chapter 5

The Age of Discovery 1463 to 1522

Figure 18 Drawing of Renaissance Ship

Another set of great events took place during the age of the Renaissance, the discoveries of new worlds outside Europe. (New to the Europeans. Folks living there thought the Europeans were “new”). This was part of the Age of Discovery. European monarchs wanted to reach the riches of China without using the overland route (the Silk Road) through the Muslim world because Muslims charged a lot for the privilege of crossing their territory, and the trips were long and dangerous. Prior to railroads, ships were the fastest and cheapest ways to move cargo long distances, so European nations wanted to reach the Orient by sea and avoid the Islamic tolls. One of the first monarchs to commit substantial resources to the quest for a sea route to India and China was Henry the Navigator of Portugal.

Under Henry, the Portuguese decided to find a route around the continent of Africa by a series of steps. Each voyage would go farther down the western coast of Africa mapping the area as they went. Year by year, each expedition would make more headway in trying to find a way around the continent. The Europeans had no idea how large Africa was so the Portuguese method was the safest. Along the way they established trading partnerships with the natives to get something out of the voyages, and that eventually led to slave trading. The Portuguese started acquiring settlements on the African coast in 1463. The Cape of Good Hope was reached in 1487 and so named because at last the coast was turning east.[62] The cape was aptly named for, in fact, they had turned the corner opening the sea route to India. By 1498 the Portuguese were in India and soon established a lucrative spice