Final answer:
The reformed churches of the early-mid sixteenth century were hostile to Catholic music due to the Protestant Reformation and theological differences. They criticized the ornate nature of Catholic music and focused on a simpler approach to worship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reformed churches of the early-mid sixteenth century were particularly hostile to Catholic music due to the Protestant Reformation and the theological differences between the two groups. The Reformers criticized the Catholic Church's use of music, arguing that it had become too ornate and distracted from the true message of the Gospel. They believed in a simpler and more straightforward approach to worship, with a focus on the scripture.
Additionally, as the Catholic Church was the major patron of artists during this time, the reformed churches, deprived of this support, did not have the same level of investment in fostering music and art. Some Protestant groups also engaged in iconoclastic riots, destroying religious images, including musical instruments and manuscripts.