Final answer:
The form of Renaissance music that integrated multiple melodic lines is known as polyphony, marking a significant musical evolution from the monophonic Medieval period and leading to greater complexity and diversity in music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of Renaissance music that weaved various lines of melody together is called polyphony. Polyphony is a hallmark of Renaissance music and involves multiple independent melodic lines being played simultaneously, creating a complex and rich texture. This contrasted with the monophonic music of the Medieval period where only one melodic line was present. The rise of polyphony encouraged the use of larger ensembles and contributed to the flourishing diversity of musical styles during the Renaissance. Works like motets by composers such as Cyprien de Rore are exemplary of polyphonic music. Additionally, secular genres like the madrigal, often polyphonic, gained popularity during this era.
Renaissance music also exhibited characteristics such as mode-based melodies, textures in four or more parts that blended smoothly, a focus on chord progression and flow, and a departure from the modal music towards the end of the period leading to the rise of tonality. The principal liturgical forms throughout the Renaissance were masses and motets, and towards the end, there was a trend of adopting secular forms for sacred music compositions.