Ars nova

Ars Nova (Latin for new art ) is called an epoch in music history in France in the 14th century with its center in Paris. During this time, creates a sophisticated, largely polyphonic vocal music. Occasionally, the term is also used more generally to the development of polyphonic music in Europe in the 14th century as a whole.

The name goes back to the title of the treatise Ars nova, which is Philippe de Vitry attributed and which is published about 1320. In the corresponding article in the MGG but doubted that it has this ever been a formal, programmatic treatise. Another important treatise is the verge wrote Notitia artis musicae the music theorist Johannes de Muris, in which the new, improved mensural explains which greatly expanded the possibilities of notation on rhythm. On the basis of which occur at this time, we compare it with the works of the Ars antiqua, harmonically and rhythmically very complex and sophisticated compositions that are quite emotionally motivated and highly expressive. Specifically, two -term imperfect divisions of the note values ​​are now accepted and used. Previously, almost exclusively trisections available, the need for which was derived from the Trinity of God. The poet musician Guillaume de Machaut linking various means of composition in his Messe de Nostre Dame and was thus a hitherto unprecedented expression. She went down in music history as the first composition of the musical parts of the Ordinary of a single, well-known composer.

The ars nova meets with her appearance with fierce opposition of the advocates of ancient art (ars antiqua ) under their spokesman James of Liege. When Pope John XXII. in the Bull Docta sanctorum patrum 1322 prohibits the performance of new music in the church, is the music, especially when court nobility followers and support; In this environment, giving rise increasingly secular music forms.

The predominant genera of the Ars nova, in addition to the motet different polyphonic song forms ( ballad, Rondeau, Virelai ). As formal compositional principles to Isoperiodik and Isorhythmik develop. Peak of development constitutes isorhythmic motet

The most outstanding artists of the Ars nova were among others Philippe de Vitry and Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300-1377 ). As earliest source for the new style applies the manuscript F- Pn146, inter alia, contains the Roman de Fauvel. The manuscript of Ivrea (I- IV 115) probably originated in Southeast French space, and is equipped with a total of 37 motets the most extensive preserved collection of motets of the Ars nova. Three motets attributed Machaut. This is relatively safe because they are also included in the manuscript Machaut 2 (F - Pn 1586). Also Vitry be attributed motets included. The Italian equivalent or further development of the Ars nova led to the so-called Trecento notation, provided the comparable but slightly different ways of differentiating the note values. The most famous Italian composer of this time was Francesco Landini. As a kind of continuation or secondary branch of the Ars nova the lasting to the 15th century Ars can be seen subtilior.

• Music ( France)
• Music of the Middle Ages