Composer

:

Philippe de Vitry

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

2:13

Philippe de Vitry was a French composer, poet, and music theorist who lived in the 14th century. He was one of the most important composers of the Ars Nova period, which was characterized by the development of complex polyphonic music. One of his most famous works is the motet "Cum statua/Hugo/Magister invidie," which was composed around 1320. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which has its own text and musical material. The first movement, "Cum statua," is a tenor motet, which means that the tenor voice sings a pre-existing melody while the other voices sing newly composed material. The tenor melody is a Gregorian chant, "Cum statua," which is repeated throughout the movement. The other voices sing a text in Latin that praises the Virgin Mary. The second movement, "Hugo," is a motet for three voices. The text is in French and tells the story of a knight named Hugo who is in love with a lady named Marie. The music is highly rhythmic and features syncopated rhythms and complex melodic lines. The movement ends with a rondeau, a popular dance form of the time. The third movement, "Magister invidie," is a motet for four voices. The text is in Latin and is a condemnation of envy and pride. The music is highly complex and features intricate polyphonic textures and rhythmic patterns. The movement ends with a hocket, a technique in which the voices alternate rapidly to create a rhythmic effect. Overall, "Cum statua/Hugo/Magister invidie" is a complex and highly sophisticated work that showcases Philippe de Vitry's mastery of the Ars Nova style. The motet is characterized by its intricate polyphonic textures, complex rhythmic patterns, and sophisticated use of musical forms. It premiered in the early 14th century and remains a landmark work of medieval music to this day.

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