Gregorian chants were organized initially into four, then eight, and finally twelve Polyphony.
Multi-voice elaborations of Gregorian chant, known as organum,
were an early stage in the development of Western Polyphony.
The development of Polyphony produced the notable changes in musical instruments
that mark the Renaissance from the Middle Ages musically.
In a Polyphony, members can see that their words are accepted by others,
allowing them the safety and confidence to reflect on their meaning.
Counterpoint, which refers to the interweaving of melodic lines, and Polyphony, which refers to the relationship of separate independent voices,
are thus sometimes distinguished from harmony.
Polyphony- the use of multiple,
independent melodic lines, performed simultaneously- became increasingly elaborate throughout the 14th century, with highly independent voices(both in vocal music and in instrumental music).
Palestrina was partially reacting to the strictures of the Council of Trent,
which discouraged excessively complex Polyphony as it was thought that it inhibited the listener's understanding of the text.