Meaning of Ars Antiqua in Music
Ars antiqua, also known as ars veterum or ars vetus, refers to the Medieval music of Europe during the High Middle Ages, specifically between approximately 1170 and 1310. It encompasses the period of the Notre-Dame school of polyphony, which involved the use of multiple, simultaneous, independent melodic lines, as well as the early development of the motet, a highly varied choral musical composition. The term "ars antiqua" is typically used to describe sacred or polyphonic music, excluding the secular monophonic songs of the troubadours and trouvères. However, colloquially, it can also refer to all European music of the 13th century and slightly before.
The term "ars antiqua" is used in contrast to "ars nova," which means "new art" or "new style." The transition from ars antiqua to ars nova is not clearly defined, but it generally refers to a period of musical activity in 13th-century France characterized by increasing complexity and experimentation.
In summary, ars antiqua refers to the Medieval music of Europe during the High Middle Ages, particularly the period of the Notre-Dame school of polyphony and the early development of the motet.
Term used by 14th century composers to distinguish the French sacred polyphonic musical style of the 13th century (c. 1260 - 1320) from that of the ars nova (new art). The term 'antiqua' is now generally extended to include the earlier music of the Notre Dame period (that of Léonin and Pérotin), thus covering the musical styles from c. 1160 - 1320.
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