Ars nova takes its name from Philippe de Vitry's treatise (c. 1322). A new notation system for the first time allowed complex rhythms, duple division (previously deemed “imperfect”), and syncopation to be written precisely. Music became refined, isorhythmic, intellectually dense.
Its greatest master was Guillaume de Machaut, composer of the first single-author polyphonic mass (Messe de Nostre Dame) and secular ballades, rondeaux, and virelais. In Italy the parallel Trecento flourished with the blind organist Francesco Landini. Ars nova defined itself against the old style (ars antiqua) as an art of freedom and elegance.
