Ars nova facts for kids
Ars nova is a Latin phrase meaning new art. It describes a special kind of music. This style became popular in France and nearby areas. This was during the Late Middle Ages, specifically the 1300s. The term often refers to music from around 1310 to 1377. This period ends with the death of a famous composer, Guillaume de Machaut.
Sometimes, "Ars nova" is used more broadly. It can mean all European polyphonic music of the 14th century. Polyphony means music with several independent melodies playing at once. For example, "Italian ars nova" refers to music by Francesco Landini. However, "Trecento music" is a more common name for 14th-century Italian music. The word "ars" in "Ars nova" can mean "technique" or "style."
The term "Ars nova" first appeared in two music books. One was Ars novae musicae (New Technique of Music) from around 1320. It was written by Johannes de Muris. The other was a collection of writings from about 1322. These writings are often linked to Philippe de Vitry. A music expert named Johannes Wolf first used the term in 1904. He used it to describe this whole time period.
The term ars nova is often compared to ars antiqua. Ars antiqua means "old art." It refers to the music that came just before Ars nova. This older style usually includes music from the Notre Dame school (around 1170 to 1320). So, ars antiqua generally means 13th-century music. Ars nova means 14th-century music. Many music history books use these terms in this way.
The time after Machaut's death (1377) until the early 1400s is also interesting. This period includes the ars subtilior style. Some people see this as the very end of Ars nova. Others think it's a separate music era.
Contents
What Made Ars Nova New?
The music of the ars nova was different from older styles. It had several new features.
New Ways to Write Music
Musicians developed new ways to write down notes. This allowed for more complex rhythms. They were not limited by the old rhythmic modes anymore. This meant composers could create more varied and interesting rhythms.
Secular Music Gets Fancy
Before, complex polyphonic music was mostly for churches. But in the Ars nova period, everyday music became more sophisticated. Music for dancing or entertainment also started using complex polyphony.
New Techniques and Forms
New musical techniques became popular. One important technique was isorhythm. This involved repeating rhythmic patterns. The motet, a type of vocal music, also became more complex. These changes made the music more expressive. It had more variety than music from the 13th century.
A Big Change in Art
This sudden change in music was very important. It brought a new level of musical expression. You can compare it to how perspective changed painting. The changes in Ars nova music happened around the same time. This was when big art changes happened in the early Renaissance.
Famous Composers
The most famous musician of this new style was Guillaume de Machaut. He was also a respected poet. Machaut's music shows the Ars nova style clearly. He wrote many motets, lais, virelais, rondeaux, and ballades.
Towards the end of the 14th century, a new style appeared. It was centered in Avignon, France. This very detailed style is called the ars subtilior. Some experts see it as a late part of Ars nova. Others consider it a separate style. This unique music was mainly found in southern France and nearby areas. It was likely for skilled musicians and special audiences. It's like a final chapter for the music of the Middle Ages.
Important Composers of Ars Nova
Here are some of the key composers from the Ars nova period:
| Name | Lived | Known Works |
|---|---|---|
| Philippe de Vitry | 1291–1361 | Many pieces of music. |
| Jehan de Lescurel | Early 14th century | Many ballades and rondeaus. |
| Guillaume de Machaut | About 1300 – 1377 | A large amount of music in many forms.
|
| P. des Molins | Mid-14th century | The ballade De ce que fol pensé. |
| Jehan Vaillant | 1360–1390 | Three rondeaus, a ballade, and virelais.
|
| Grimace | Mid-to-late 14th century | Three ballades, a virelai, and rondeau.
|
| F. Andrieu | Late 14th century | The double ballade Armes amours. |
| Briquet | Early 15th century | The rondeau Ma seule amour et ma belle maistresse. |
See Also
- Ars antiqua
- Ars subtilior
- Guillaume de Machaut
- Philippe de Vitry
