What did the Council of Trent, in relation to music, express concerns about?

The Council of Trent, which convened from 1545 to 1563, addressed various issues related to Catholic doctrine and practices in response to the Protestant Reformation. One of its significant concerns regarding music was the use of complex polyphony in sacred settings, particularly in Masses. The council emphasized that the text of the sacred music should be clear and understandable to the congregation, as the primary purpose of liturgical music is to enhance the expression of the sacred texts rather than obscure them.

Complex polyphony, while artistically enriching, was seen as potentially distracting from the words being sung. The belief was that if the music was too elaborate, it could lead worshippers to lose track of the meaning of the text, making it more difficult for the faithful to engage spiritually during the Mass. Thus, the Council advocated for music that would serve to elevate the sacred lyrics and ensure that they were both comprehensible and accessible to the worshippers, ultimately aiming to enrich the liturgical experience rather than complicate it.