Class 12- Building Complexity- the 13th Century Motet

What is a motet?

A polyphonic vocal composition featuring one or more voices, each with its own text, sung above a tenor from a chant.

What is the significance of Franconian Notation?

It allowed for greater rhythmic independence among the voices in motets, moving beyond the repetitive rhythmic modes of organum.

What distinguishes a conductus from Notre Dame polyphony?

The tenor in a conductus is newly composed, and all voices sing together at a similar rhythmic pace.

What are caudae in a conductus?

Melismatic passages at the beginning and end of conductus pieces, often before important cadences.

How did the motet evolve in the 13th century?

It moved out of the church and became an independent genre, losing its liturgical function.

What is a double motet?

A motet where two texts are sung above the tenor.

What characterized the harmony of later 13th century compositions?

Harmony typically began with fifths or octaves, with thirds allowed and fourths considered dissonant.

What is a Rota?

An English round or perpetual canon where a repeating melody is sung by two voices.

Who composed 'De ma dame vient/Dieus, comment porroie/Omnes'?

Adam de la Halle.

What is the term for the early addition of Latin words to the upper voices of discant clausulae?

The earliest motets.