ARS NOVA

14th-century polyphony

Ars Nova…
based on the enormous new range of musical expression made possible by the notational techniques ex-
plained in Philippe de Vitry's treatise Ars nova (c1322).

the treatise is seen as one of the major turning-points in the history of notation

ARS ANTIQUA ARS NOVA

anonymity of authors of treatises many authors of treatises named, the most important:

Philippe de Vitry (for his Ars Nova of c. 1320) and

Jacobus of Liege (for his Speculum Musicae of c. 1330)

music in the sacred realm increasing attention to secular music

atmosphere of musical concepts developed over centuries new and original musical concepts

"tempus perfectum" (triple meter) was predominant new freedom and acceptance of "tempus imperfectum" (duple

meter)

preoccupation with the science of music popularity of music, practical considerations, music for enter

tainment

sacred forms (organum, conductus, and motet) secular forms, lighter melodic figures

widespread use of cantus firmus gradual rejection of cantus firmus (esp. Italy), use of secular

sources for cantus firmus

medieval scholasticism humanism in literature and philosophy

strict use of ancient modes new dissonance, contrapuntal freedom, isorhythm, melody &

accompaniment

Ars Nova instituted by Philippe de Vitry

Ars Antiqua, represented primarily by Franco

Ars novae musicae (c1320) of Johannes de Muris

Jacobus of Liège's Speculum musice

Roman de Fauvel
Docta sanctorum patrum (1324–5)--Pope John XXII decrying


the musicians who were ‘novellae scholae discipuli’

Ars Nova
refers to French music (1310-1377) from the Roman de Fauvel to the death of Guillaume de Machaut

Allows binary (imperfect) and ternary divisions

of the long and breve--the main achievement of the Ars Nova

Still smaller note values

Far more secular pieces
Roman de Fauvel
Satire on the French court
Manuscript contains 167 pieces of music
Diversity of musical practice at beginning of the 14th century: plainchant, secular songs, conductus, mo-
tets

Vices…
F lattery,
A varice (greed),
U ntruthfulness,
V ariability (unfaithfulness),
E nvy,
L aziness