The Middle Ages: Mass Notes

Question 1

Ars nova means

Answer 1

new art

Question 2

Ars antiqua means

Answer 2

ancient art

Question 3

Prior to the 14th century, the dominant rhythmic unit was

Answer 3

triple time, which was considered a “perfect” division

Question 4

One of Philippe de Vitry’s most significant innovations was to create notational values that allowed musicians to write

Answer 4

duple rhythms, or the “imperfect” division of notes

Question 5

Isorhythm means repeated rhythmic patterns called

Answer 5

‘talea’ and melodic patterns called ‘color’ appear in one or more voices and provide a sense of structure

Question 6

Hocket (hiccup in French) is two voices (1 resting and 1 singing) combining to create a

Answer 6

single line of melody

Question 7

Musica Ficta is when

Answer 7

performers raised or lowered a pitch to avoid undesirable intervals

Question 8

Imitation means that the lead will start with a theme and then a follower will follow a few beats later singing

Answer 8

the exact same thing, they may sing separate parts after a few measures

Question 9

Canon will start with imitation and then the comes (or followers) will follow the dux (or leader) for

Answer 9

the entire duration of the piece