Renaissance choral music refers to vocal compositions created during the Renaissance period, roughly from the 15th to the early 17th century. This era saw the development of polyphony, where multiple independent melodies are sung simultaneously. Composers like Josquin des Prez and Palestrina were influential, creating intricate harmonies and rich textures that enhanced the emotional depth of sacred and secular music. Choral music of this time often featured settings of religious texts, such as Masses and Motets. The use of a cappella singing, without instrumental accompaniment, was common, allowing the human voice to take center stage. This style laid the groundwork for future developments in Western music.