Final answer:
The correct answer is (a) Renaissance, aristocrat.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Renaissance, every aristocrat was expected to read musical notation, play a musical instrument, and be skilled in dance. This period in history saw a significant transformation in the cultural and intellectual life of Europe, also reflected in the advancements in the arts, including music. The Renaissance marked a period when education and refinement in arts were highly valued by the upper class, and musical ability became a sign of an educated person.
The Renaissance music era is characterized by its increased use of polyphony and the gradual inclusion of the interval of the third, which was previously considered dissonant during the Middle Ages. Composers of the time, such as Palestrina and William Byrd, helped to develop and unify the polyphonic style, culminating in a common musical language. Music education was thriving, particularly in the Low Countries, resulting in highly trained musicians who were sought after across Europe.