Final answer:
The first major center of polyphony was Medieval Notre Dame, with polyphonic music gaining complexity during the Medieval period and becoming more widespread in Renaissance Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first major center of polyphony was D) Medieval Notre Dame. During the high medieval era, particularly by the later thirteenth and early fourteenth century, polyphonic genres began to flourish, moving beyond the previously prevalent monophonic Gregorian chant. The development and complexity of polyphony became highly notable in the region around the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris during the Medieval period, before transitioning into more intricate forms during the Renaissance era.
Polyphony's evolution was marked by the use of a broader vocal range and the increasing relevance of musical intervals such as the third, which were initially considered dissonances during the Middle Ages. By the time the Renaissance arrived, there was a widespread use of polyphony across Europe, leading to a unifying musical language and the rise of composers who championed this style, such as Palestrina and William Byrd.