During the Medieval era, what was primarily the focus of sacred music composition?

The primary focus of sacred music composition during the Medieval era was indeed vocal polyphony and liturgical texts. This period saw the development of important musical forms such as Gregorian chant and early polyphony, which were used in the context of worship and religious ceremonies. Music was integral to the liturgy of the Christian church, and composers crafted their works to enhance the spiritual experience of the congregation.

Vocal polyphony, where multiple independent melodies are sung simultaneously, began to emerge as a significant style in this era, allowing for a richer and more textured musical experience. Moreover, the focus on liturgical texts meant that composers concentrated on enhancing the meaning and clarity of the sacred words, while also adhering to the church's guidelines regarding music composition.

In contrast, other options like solo performances or large orchestral works did not define the essence of Medieval sacred music, as the era was characterized more by choral compositions intended for church services rather than solo or orchestral presentations. Additionally, the presence of instruments and secular themes became more prominent in later periods, but were not the central focus of sacred music composition during the Medieval era.