The Early Music Online archive currently contains around 10,000 compositions from the 16th century. Featured compositions are mainly vocal, though some music for keyboard and plucked string instruments is also available. The collection is available to all and allows access to fragile printed music not previously open to view.
The archive's compositions date from a time when the Renaissance and the development of the printing press spurred massive evolution in the style and philosophy of music, as well as a huge surge in its public popularity. Metadata and background information on individual compositions further enhance the collection's viewing and search capabilities.