CDXXVI. VITRY, Philippe de: Impudenter circumivi

CDXXVI. VITRY, Philippe de (1291-1361)

Impudenter circumivi
unknown contratenor
unknown tenor
(3:11)

Very little of Vitry's music survives. What exists are sacred pieces, though it is certain that he also composed secular songs, like his more famous contemporary, Guillaume de Machaut [see Post LXXXV].

Nevertheless, Vitry is an important name in the history of music. He was most likely the author of a treatise entitled Ars Nova notandi (1322), which details the system of musical notation which distinguishes the advances made on the subject in the 14th century.

The music of the earlier period (12th and 13th centuries) is referred to as Ars Antiqua, often called the Notre Dame school of polyphony, where simple organum became more complex. The two composers in this school whose names and works have survived are Léonin and Pérotin (late 12th, early 13th centuries). The motet form originated in this era.

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Impudenter circumivi = Shamelessly I used to wander.

Also, notice the hocket towards the end of the piece.