Renaissance composers were musicians active during the Renaissance period, roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. This era saw a significant evolution in music, characterized by the use of polyphony, where multiple independent melodies were sung or played simultaneously. Notable composers included Josquin des Prez, Palestrina, and Thomas Tallis, who contributed to the development of choral music and sacred compositions. These composers often worked in churches and courts, creating music for religious ceremonies and royal events. The invention of the printing press also allowed their works to be distributed more widely, influencing music across Europe. Their innovations laid the groundwork for future musical developments in the Baroque period and beyond.