What musical form became prominent during the Renaissance period?

The dominant musical form that became prominent during the Renaissance period is the Mass. This sacred composition is typically set for a choir, and often includes parts such as the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. The Mass reflects the religious practices of the time and showcases the evolving musical techniques such as polyphony, where multiple independent melodies are sung or played simultaneously.

The use of the Mass allowed composers to experiment with harmony, texture, and melodic development, leading to more complex and expressive music. It served as a vital part of liturgical ceremonies, thus being central to both religious worship and musical innovation during the Renaissance.

In contrast, while the fugue, sonata, and symphony are significant forms in Western music history, they emerged or were developed in later periods, particularly in the Baroque and Classical eras. Thus, they do not hold the same prominence within the context of Renaissance music as the Mass does.