Phillipe de Vitry and the development of the early fourteenth-century motet

Coplestone-Crow, Natasha (1997) Phillipe de Vitry and the development of the early fourteenth-century motet. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

This study focuses primarily on nine polyphonic ars nova motets contained within the early fourteenth-century manuscript, Le Roman de Fauvel. The texts of these pieces point to an approximate timescale of c 1312-c 1315. While it is difficult to date such pieces with definitive accuracy, a predominantly analytical approach is adopted here to determine feasible details of chronology and authorship. Comprehensive voice-leading graphs are given in which all notes are accounted for, on the premise that surface style is an excellent pointer to composer identity. Much attention is paid to the harmonic framework of the pieces, together with the manner in which their respective composers marry the conflicting demands of vertical and horizontal dimensions. Some attempt is made to describe and account for apparent 'problematical' areas of certain motets.

The thesis is divided into three main chapters and is prefaced by an introduction where relevant secondary literature on the fourteenth-century motet is critically reviewed. Each main chapter is subdivided into smaller sections dealing variously with aspects of sources, notation, texting, tenor selection and harmony (sonority, elaboration and progression).

Chapter 1 looks at three motets traditionally thought to be related to the downfall of Enguerran de Marigny: Garrit/In nova, Tribum/Quoniam and Aman/Heu. Firmissime/Adesto is also brought into this group on account of its close stylistic ties with Tribum/Quoniam. Chapter 2 focuses on three pieces probably emanating from c 1312-1314 and, according to the chronology established in chapter 1, from the time before Garrit/In nova: Desolata/Que, Super/Presidentes and Scariotis/Jure. Finally, the third chapter considers the two royal motets Servant/O Philippe and Se cuers/Rex. It is suggested that Servant/O Philippe may be dated to soon after Garrit/In nova and may be the work of Philippe de Vitry.