Which of the following was NOT typically included in sacred music of the Medieval era?

In the context of the Medieval era, sacred music was primarily focused on religious themes and rituals, which were commonly reflected in various forms of music. Masses, motets, and Gregorian chants are all integral components of sacred music from that period.

Masses are settings of the ceremonial service itself, incorporating various liturgical texts. Motets, often sung in Latin, are polyphonic choral compositions based on sacred themes, and they gained popularity during the later part of the Medieval period. Gregorian chants, consisting of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song, are also foundational to Western liturgical music.

In contrast, symphonies were not a part of the Medieval musical landscape. They emerged much later, during the Classical era, characterized by orchestral music structured in multiple movements. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that symphonies were not typically included in sacred music of the Medieval era, reflecting a significant difference in both the time period and the musical form.