Composer

:

Philippe de Vitry

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

3:04

"Impudenter circumivi / Virtutis laudabilis / Alma" is a motet composed by Philippe de Vitry, a French composer, poet, and music theorist of the 14th century. The motet was composed in the Ars Nova style, which was a new musical style that emerged in the 14th century and was characterized by complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and the use of isorhythm. The motet is believed to have been composed around 1320 and was likely premiered in the court of King Charles IV of France. The motet consists of three movements, each with its own text and musical theme. The first movement, "Impudenter circumivi," is a tenor voice that is repeated throughout the piece and serves as a foundation for the other voices. The second movement, "Virtutis laudabilis," is a motet that is sung in three voices and praises the virtues of a noble lady. The third movement, "Alma," is a hymn that is sung in four voices and praises the Virgin Mary. The motet is characterized by its use of isorhythm, which is a technique that involves repeating a rhythmic pattern throughout a piece of music. In "Impudenter circumivi," the tenor voice repeats a rhythmic pattern of long and short notes, while the other voices sing different melodies and rhythms. This creates a complex and intricate texture that is typical of the Ars Nova style. The motet also features complex harmonies and dissonances, which were a hallmark of the Ars Nova style. The use of dissonances was considered daring and innovative at the time, and it helped to create a sense of tension and drama in the music. Overall, "Impudenter circumivi / Virtutis laudabilis / Alma" is a masterpiece of the Ars Nova style and a testament to the skill and creativity of Philippe de Vitry. Its complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and use of isorhythm make it a challenging and rewarding piece of music to perform and listen to.

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