How did Renaissance polyphony differ rhythmically from Baroque music?

Renaissance polyphony and Baroque music differ significantly in their rhythmic organization and underlying structural philosophy.

Renaissance Polyphony

Renaissance polyphony, particularly the modal counterpoint exemplified by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, is characterized by an almost stressless, fluid rhythmic flow. This style emphasizes the equality of melodic lines, where rhythmic organization is designed to maintain the independence and integration of these voices. While these works possess a subtle rhythmic structure, they generally avoid the heavy, recurring dynamic accents associated with later metrical systems, reflecting a close kinship with the traditional modality of liturgical plainchant.12

Baroque Music

In contrast, Baroque music is defined by a shift toward functional harmony and a more pronounced, often motoric, rhythmic drive. Key rhythmic characteristics of the Baroque period include:23

• Steady Pulse: Fast movements frequently feature a consistent, motoric pulse, often underpinned by a steady running bass line provided by the basso continuo.3
• Dynamic Contrast: Baroque music often utilizes "terrace dynamics," where blocks of loud and soft sound create rhythmic and dynamic tension.3
• Metrical Clarity: Unlike the stressless flow of the Renaissance, Baroque music often relies on clear metrical organization, where specific beats—such as the first beat of a measure—receive necessary accents to maintain the identity of the musical figures.1
• Virtuosity: The rise of instrumental idioms encouraged more intricate, quicker rhythmic figures, particularly in solo passages, which contrasted with the steadier rhythms of the accompanying ensemble.3