Humanism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of human reason and experience, led to a decline in the influence of the Catholic Church and a greater interest in secular subjects, including music.

Secular music from the Renaissance was often based on folk melodies and performed in vernacular languages, but it was not always polyphonic. Additionally, it was not always sacred in nature, as it often dealt with secular subjects such as love, nature, and politics.

Greensleeves is a well-known English folk song from the Renaissance period. It is often associated with King Henry VIII and his love for Anne Boleyn.

Claudio Monteverdi was an Italian composer who is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of opera. He was known for his secular music, including his madrigals and operas.

The concerto is a musical style that emerged in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. It is characterized by its use of contrasting textures and dynamics, with a small group of soloists playing against a larger ensemble.

The lute was a popular instrument in secular music from the Renaissance. It is a stringed instrument that is played by plucking the strings with a quill or fingernail.

The madrigal is a type of secular vocal music that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of multiple voices singing different melodies.

The galliard is a type of secular dance that was popular in the Renaissance. It is a lively dance that is often performed in pairs.

The villanella is a type of secular music that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of a single melody line accompanied by chords.

Commedia dell'arte is a type of secular theater piece that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of improvised dialogue and stock characters.

The ground is a type of secular music that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of a drone bass.

A madrigal group is a type of secular vocal ensemble that was popular in the Renaissance. It is typically composed of four to six singers who perform madrigals.

The saltarello is a type of secular music that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of a fast tempo and lively rhythm.

The ricercar is a type of secular instrumental piece that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of a contrapuntal texture.

The lament is a type of secular music that was popular in the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of a slow tempo and mournful melody.