How did the counter-reformation affect music?

The Counter-Reformation significantly influenced music by promoting a style that emphasized clarity of text and sacred themes, aligning with the Catholic Church's efforts to reform and renew its practices. Composers like Palestrina exemplified this shift, creating polyphonic music that retained lyrical intelligibility and spiritual depth. The Council of Trent encouraged the use of simpler melodies and the reduction of secular influences, leading to a more austere yet expressive musical aesthetic in church settings. Overall, the Counter-Reformation marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of sacred music, fostering a greater connection between worship and musical expression.