Ars nova, Latin for new art, refers to a style of music in France in the 14th century and to the treatise by the composer and theorist Philippe de Vitry that described its innovations. The new notation allowed the beat to be divided in twos as well as threes and introduced shorter note values such as the minim, making far more flexible rhythms possible. Typical works include motets built on repeating rhythmic patterns, and the Roman de Fauvel, a satirical poem with music compiled in the 1310s, contains early examples. Guillaume de Machaut composed the Messe de Nostre Dame, the earliest complete setting of the Mass by a single composer. Pope John XXII criticized the new style as too complex, and in Italy a parallel tradition developed, known as the Trecento.
Before and after
- from 20 April 1303 to 22 April 1303Battle of Marj al-Saffar
- 24 February 1304Birth of Ibn Battuta
- 20 July 1304Birth of Petrarch
- from 1309 to 1377Avignon Papacy
- 1310Rise of ars nova
- 13 November 1312Birth of Edward III of England
- 1313Birth of Giovanni Boccaccio
- 1315Origins of Gračanica monastery
- from 1315 to 1317Great Famine of 1315–1317
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The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 14th century.