Which school of thought originated the polychoral style?

The polychoral style is most closely associated with the Venetian school of the late Renaissance, particularly through the works of composers like Giovanni Gabrieli. This style is characterized by the use of multiple choirs or groups of instruments, often spatially separated, which creates a rich and vibrant sonic texture.

The Venetian environment, especially the Basilica di San Marco, encouraged this approach due to its unique architectural acoustics, allowing for distinct choruses to be placed in different locations. Composers utilized this spatial arrangement to enhance the dynamic contrasts and the interplay between the groups, thus defining the polychoral style.

In this context, while other schools such as the Roman, Flemish, and Italian contributed significantly to the evolution of music during the Renaissance, it was the Venetian school that embraced and perfected polychoral writing, making it a hallmark of their musical output. This distinct approach led to important developments in vocal and instrumental music, influencing later styles and composers.