Italian music history spans centuries, beginning with the medieval period when Gregorian chant emerged as a significant form of liturgical music. The Renaissance saw the rise of polyphony, with composers like Josquin des Prez and Palestrina shaping choral music. This era laid the groundwork for the development of opera in the late 16th century, with Claudio Monteverdi being a key figure. The Baroque period introduced instrumental music and the concerto form, while the Classical and Romantic eras featured composers such as Vivaldi, Verdi, and Puccini. Today, Italian music continues to influence various genres, from classical to contemporary pop.