Guillame de Machaut and the Ars Nova

The 14th century Musical Style or School

What is the Ars Nova? Translates from Latin to “New Art”. Developed after the Hundred Year’s War and

the Black Plague weakened the influence of the Church and the feudal system.

Secular music surpassed sacred music in importance.

Polyphony was not based on chant. New notation allowed nearly any rhythmic

pattern to be written- including syncopations.

Guillaume de Machaut Famous as a composer and poet Spent most of his life in service to royalty Presented his patrons with beautifully

decorated copies of his music and poetry Output consists mainly of courtly love songs-

songs nobly and chivalrously expressing love Did work for the church in his later life

Puis qu’en Oubli sui de vous From Machaut’s Le Livre Dou Voit Dir (The

Book of the True Poem) Contains eight lines, each ending in –mis or –

mant Form- abaaabab Written for four voices

Translation of Puis qu’en oubliSince I am forgotten by you, sweet friend,

I say farewell to joy and life of love.

Ill-fated was the day I placed my love in you,

Since I am forgotten by you, sweet friend.

But what I have promised you I will maintain,

Which is that I shall never have any other lover.

Since I am forgotten by you, sweet friend,

I say farewell to joy and life of love

Notre Dame Mass First known Polyphonic arrangement of the

Mass Ordinary (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)

Written for four voices Composed in the early 1360’s

The Angus Dei Solemn and elaborate Two higher voices form more rhythmically

active and contain syncopations Lower parts play a supporting role, move in

longer notes Based on a chant, which is placed in one of

the lower parts Form: ABA Three sections represent the Holy Trinity