Final answer:
The new system of music notation emerged during the Renaissance, facilitating the specification of various rhythmic patterns, supported by innovations in musical theory, the polyphonic style, and technological advancements such as the Gutenberg press.
Step-by-step explanation:
A new system of music notation that allowed composers to specify almost any rhythmic pattern had evolved by the Renaissance. This period, ranging approximately from 1400 to 1600, marked the transition from the medieval era and was characterized by significant musical developments. The Renaissance saw the establishment of a common musical language and a polyphonic style, mainly through the influence of the Franco-Flemish school. With the advent of the Gutenberg press, there was a surge in the distribution of music and musical theory, making it accessible on a broader scale.
This new notational system enhanced the written representation of rhythm and accounted for the increasingly elaborate polyphony that characterized Renaissance music. During this period, music theory also advanced, particularly concerning rhythm and polyphony, laying down foundations that remained influential in western music.
The transformation of society during the Renaissance, including the rise of humanistic thought and the bourgeois class, had a significant impact on the development of music. This included a shift to more elaborate vocal compositions, use of the interval of the third, and an increase in available vocal range, all of which allowed for smoother polyphony and a more nuanced exploration of musical textures.