Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ars nova

Noun

/ɑːrz ˈnoʊ.və/

Definition

A term referring to a style of music that originated in the late medieval period, particularly in the 14th century, characterized by innovations in rhythm and notation.

Examples

The development of ars nova allowed composers to experiment with rhythm in ways that had not been possible before.
Many famous composers of the late medieval period contributed to the ars nova movement, including Philippe de Vitry and Guillaume de Machaut.
Ars nova served as a foundation for the musical developments of the Renaissance.

Meaning

Ars nova, which translates to ‘new art’ in Latin, represents a shift in musical style that allowed for greater complexity in the composition and performance of music, moving away from the simpler forms of the previous era.